Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine AG Recommends Charging Juvenile in Union Homicide as Adult
(Rockland) The office of the Maine Attorney General is recommending the 17 yo accused of murdering a paddle boarder in Union on July 2nd be charged as an adult. Deven Young is accused of killing 48 yo Sunshine Stewart of Tenants Harbor, who authorities say died of blunt force trauma and strangulation. Residents of the area around Crawford Pond were on edge until investigators got a break in the case and arrested Young. If convicted of murder as an adult, the Pen Bay Pilot reports Young could face a prison sentence of 25 years to life. During a hearing on Friday, Young entered a denial of the charge. He remains in custody at the Long Creek Youth Development Center.
(Rockland) The sleepy town of Union was on edge for days, following the brutal murder earlier this month of 48 yo Sunshine “Sunny” Stewart while she was paddle boarding on Crawford Pond. Friends say Sunny was a “larger than life Spirit” who loved adventure and the outdoors – a strong woman, both physically and mentally who would not have been easily overpowered. An autopsy showed she died of blunt force trauma and strangulation. On July 16th, investigators arrested 17 yo Deven Young of Frankfort, and charged him in the case. He’s currently in custody at the Long Creek Youth Development Center and made his initial court appearance via Zoom last Friday. The Office of Maine’s Attorney General is recommending Young be charged as an adult. If convicted of murder as an adult, Young could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Body of Missing Hiker Recovered at Camden Hills State Park
(Camden) The search for a missing hiker at Camden Hills State Park ended on a grim note Saturday when Maine Wardens, rock climbers and other personnel recovered the body of a man at the foot of Maiden’s Cliff. Maiden’s Cliff overlooks Megunticook Lake, but hikers are warned to avoid the edge of the rocks while taking in the stunning views. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the day began early with a call to Camden Police concerning a missing man from North Carolina. The man, who was not named but identified as being in his 40s, had told his wife the previous day he was going hiking. His car was located at a trailhead off Youngtown Road in Lincolnville. Authorities say they located his unattended backpack at the top of the mountain near the edge of the cliff. The body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Investigators say there’s no indication of anything suspicious.
(Camden) A reminder again this past weekend of the dangers that can turn deadly on a summer hike in Maine. On Saturday, rescue crews recovered the body of a North Carolina man said to have been in his 40’s at the foot of Maiden’s Cliff in Camden Hills State Park after he failed to return from a hike the day before. The Pen Bay Pilot reports Maiden’s Cliff has been the site of other tragedies over the centuries. In 1864, a woman hiking with friends fell 300 feet to her death, presumably while grasping for her hat that was blown off by the wind. A cross at the top of the cliff marks the spot of that tragedy. In 2011, a woman tumbled off the steep slope of Megunticook, crashed over boulders, and eventually crawled to a nearby road where she was rescued. In 2014, a man was convicted of attempted murder and assault after his wife said he pushed her off Maiden’s Cliff.
Local Politics
Johnson Shuts Down House to Block Epstein Vote
(NYT) Speaker Mike Johnson Tuesday said he would send lawmakers home early for their summer recess in order to head off Democratic demands for votes on calling for the release of files from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The early break came as several Republicans on the House Oversight Committee backed a motion to subpoena Epstein’s longtime partner, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Libby Breaks Fundraising Record for Maine Lawmakers
(Auburn) Representative Laurel Libby is going a bit viral herself this time. The Bangor Daily News reports the Republican from Auburn, whose singling out of a transgender student on social media sparked a firestorm, has broken her own fundraising record ahead of the 2026 campaign, already raking in $137,000. Libby said this month she is exploring a run for Governor, joining an already crowded field of candidates hoping to succeed Janet Mills, who is term-limited.
Economy
Hammond Lumber to Acquire Ware-Butler
(Maine) Hammond Lumber is building on its success. MaineBiz reports the company will acquire Ware-Butler Building Supply, expanding the Hammond footprint to 34 locations across Maine and New Hampshire. The acquisition “hammers home” Hammond’s impact on the New England workforce – with more than 1200 employees between the two companies. The deal is set to close by July 31st. Hammond did not disclose a sale price.
MDI Wood Bank Obtains Nonprofit Status
(MDI) One more reason you can now feel good about donating to the MDI Community Woodbank. Founded just this past March by Andrew Flanagan, the organization became incorporated, then got a charter number. This week, they got their 501c3 status making them a tax-exempt public charity. This winter, with your volunteer and monetary support, the MDI Wood Bank will be helping their neighbors in need on MDI stay warm and comfortable. Wood banks are becoming an increasingly important source of heat for those in financial need. The Waldo County Wood Bank was one of the first, and the DownEast Wood Bank in Surry serves the Blue Hill Peninsula, Ellsworth and beyond. To donate to or volunteer with any of these amazing nonprofits, follow them on FB.
Education
Hancock County Teacher Finalist for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year
(Dedham) A Dedham school kindergarten teacher is on the list of eight finalists still in the running for 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. Annie Goodwin represents Hancock County. She joins Melissa Goeke of Knox County, Lincoln County’s Bridget Wright, Penobscot County’s Benjamin Johnson, and representatives from Androscoggin, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, and York Counties. The semifinalists will next deliver keynote speeches, submit professional portfolios, and participate in a panel discussion on equity, leadership, and educational policy. State finalists will be announced in September, with the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year revealed in October.
Area Students Earn BHB&T Scholarships
(Birch Harbor) Several local students are among 14 High School graduates that have been awarded Career and Technical Education Scholarships from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Brennan Beattie of Birch Harbor is a graduate of Sumner Memorial High School who also attended HCTC. He plans to study biology and track pre-med at UMaine. Ann Gosselin of Addison is a graduate of Narraguagus High School who attended Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology. Ann plans to study criminal justice at EMCC. Other students hail from parts of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Health
Study Finds Four Day Work Week Impacts Health of Workers
(Newsweek) A four-day workweek with no reduction in pay improves both workers’ health and overall job performance and satisfaction. Those are the findings of a new study, as published in Newsweek. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped work norms five years ago, making remote work necessary for some amid lockdowns. The study, led by researchers at Boston College, tracked nearly 3,000 workers across 141 organizations worldwide for six months. Workers whose days were cut by eight or more hours reported the most substantial improvements, which came in the form of reduced mental strain and improved physical health.
Blood Drive Need Remains Critical
(Ellsworth) Here at Star 97.7, we’re always promoting our local blood drives. We caught up with Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager with Red Cross Northern New England and asked why supplies are especially low during the summer months. (((Blood 1 “…and make an appointment to donate in August.” :23))). Dan says it’s super easy to sign up – just download the app, call 1-800-red-cross, or log onto red cross blood dot org and schedule your appointment today.
(Ellsworth) Summer is a busy time for most of us – it’s also a time when blood supplies are at their lowest, while the need remains high. Star 97.7 asked Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager with Red Cross Northern New England, how you go about signing up. (((Blood 2 “…and they can get you set right up and donating.” :22))). The whole process takes just about an hour – and there are great snacks afterwards! Blood has a shelf life of just about 40 days, so the need is constant. Make a lifesaving difference today by making an appointment at red cross blood dot org.
(Ellsworth) The need for blood is constant; and during August when you donate through the American Red Cross, you not only save lives, but the Red Cross is giving back to you. Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager with Red Cross Northern New England, tells Star 97.7, with those pints come special perks. (((Blood 3 “…to having people turn up.” :17))). Once again, can you tell folks how they do that? (((Blood 4 “…and all the appointments pop right up.” :06))) Hope you’ll do that now, while you’re thinking of it.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Seven Best Towns in Maine for Retirees
(Ellsworth) Add another feather to Ellsworth’s cap – world atlas dot com has named our fair city one of the seven best towns in Maine for retirees. The website confirms what we already knew. Ellsworth is a practical yet beautiful town that offers a pleasant blend of convenience and charm. Some reasons mentioned? The Union River Lobster Pot for a seafood feast, the Union River itself for fishing, kayaking and more; and of course the iconic Grand Theatre for film screenings and live entertainment. Other Maine towns that made the list – Bucksport, Lubec, Stonington, Rockland, Hallowell, and Wiscasset.
International Soccer Match
(Portland) Maine will soon be getting its kicks out of Nova Scotia – soccer kicks, that is. As part of Governor Janet Mills’s recent visit, the Pine Tree State will welcome the Halifax Wanderers of the Canadian Premier League for an international “friendly” match with Maine’s new professional soccer team. The Wanderers will meet the Portland Hearts of Pine next month at Portland’s Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Ozzy Osbourne Dies
(NYT) Ozzy Osbourne has died. As lead singer of Black Sabbath, he’s credited with helping to invent heavy metal. He later went on to star with his family in “The Osbournes”, a comedic relief to his rock and roll antics. Osbourne was 76.