Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Fugitive Captured in Bangor
(Bangor) Drug possession, possession of machine guns, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm on school grounds, and firearms violations with a history of prior violent drug crimes. Those are just some of the charges against a fugitive from Massachusetts who was found and arrested in Bangor Tuesday. Authorities say Jameel T. Clark White was previously released on bond from a facility in Massachusetts. Investigators had learned he might be living with associates in Orrington, Brewer or Bangor. Members of the U.S. Marshals Service were able to identify him leaving a residence in Bangor and getting into a car that was stopped a short time later, leading to his being taken into custody. Bangor Police say he was in possession of a large quantity of drugs at the time of his arrest. The suspect is awaiting extradition back to Massachusetts.
Local Politics
King Sponsors Legislation to Protect Dreamers’ Personal Information
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King has joined in supporting legislation to prohibit the sharing of sensitive personal data, like taxpayer and health information, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act would provide a statutory guarantee to current and prospective Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program applicants, also known as Dreamers, that the private information they provide in their applications will not be used against them. The Act will prohibit the DHS Secretary from disclosing such information to law enforcement agencies, including ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for any purpose other than the implementation of the DACA program, with limited exceptions.
Funding for Economic Development Projects
(Maine) A million dollars for Mount Desert Island Hospital. 500,000 for the Cherryfield Town Square. 482K for the Town of Beals. Just three of 29 Maine towns and organizations that will share 20.5M dollars from the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Fiscal Year 2025 Catalyst Program to support important development projects. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King said the funding will help improve water infrastructure and roadways in communities across the state, while strengthening the workforce and creating economic opportunity. For a detailed description of awardees and their projects, visit collins dot senate dot gov.
Fall Referendums Rake in Cash
(Augusta) This fall, Mainers will weigh in on two controversial political issues stirring deep feelings nationwide – gun safety and whether to increase voting restrictions. The Portland Press Herald reports contributions to the two referendum campaigns in Maine total nearly $1.9M combined. That includes $150K in in kind donations, which usually translates to staff time. Experts say if you want to know who’s influencing the vote, follow the money. Fifty-two percent of the nearly $2M contributed so far can be traced to sources from out-of-state.
Economy
Maine Coastal Program Welcomes New Director
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Marine Resources is welcoming Dr. Jocelyn Rosenbaum as its new Maine Coastal Program Director. As Director, she’ll coordinate federal, state, and local partnerships to implement initiatives that target coastal natural resource conservation and development. Over at the Maine Department of Transportation, Edward “EJ” Dupont has been named new Director of the Maine State Ferry Service. He’ll be responsible for overseeing all operations, including infrastructure and ticketing services, customer service, staff training and more. Welcome to you both.
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 know. Ellsworth is a practical yet beautiful town that offers a winning combination of convenience and charm. Some reasons mentioned by the folks at World Atlas? 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.
Lower Border Crossings Impact Already Struggling Washington County
(Lubec) Businesses in Lubec, Calais, and other towns in Maine that border Canada are finding fewer visitors caused by hostile rhetoric from the White House are translating into major cuts in their bottom lines. NewsCenter Maine reports in years past, Lubec Brewing Company often saw guests from Campobello Island and other Canadian neighbors. This year, close to 14% of their credit card receipts are missing – the ones from Canadian cards, according to owner Gale White. White added the shortage has cost one job out of six at the brewery and noted that in Washington County in general, if you look at the unemployment stats, that one job is significant. The owners of Downeast Doghouse say their hot dog eatery, rental property, and small gift shop are also struggling. On a day last year where the gift shop rang up hundreds of dollars worth of goods, this year they totaled just $6 in sales.
Top Philanthropists Team Up to Boost Economic Mobility
(Forbes) It’s getting harder to climb the economic ladder in the U.S. – rent and home prices are out of reach, even for many middle income families. Food costs have soared. And energy prices are anything but energizing a struggling economy. Forbes reports more than one in ten Americans now lives below the poverty line. In response, five charitable foundations of billionaires have announced a billion dollar pledge to fund a new philanthropic vehicle focused on economic mobility. NextLadder Ventures includes the foundations of Bill Gates, Charles Koch, Steve Ballmer, Intuit founder Scott Cook, and hedge fund investor John Overdeck. NextLadder hasn’t made any funding commitments yet, but the founders have backed such organizations as CarePortal, developer of a platform that connects children and families in need with local churches, community groups, and businesses that can provide resources such as housing, medical attention, and emotional support to help keep kids out of foster care.
Ellsworth Chamber to Preview New Autumn Gold Event
(Ellsworth) There’s going to be something new at this year’s Autumn Gold! Food Fest Ellsworth and Market on Main will highlight restaurants, food retailers, mobile vendors, farmers, nonprofits focused on food insecurity, and others. Market on Main will kick off Food Fest Ellsworth on September 27th from 11 to 4 in the Franklin Parklet and Store Street with live music, food trucks, tables laden with baked goods and other foods for sale, and special options for restaurants and retailers who might otherwise find it difficult to participate. For more information or to sign up, contact the Ellsworth Chamber.
(Ellsworth) What’s your very favorite food, the one that makes your mouth water just thinking about it?! Chances are, you’ll find it at the newest addition to this year’s Autumn Gold, sponsored by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. Food Fest Ellsworth and Market on Main will feature restaurants, food retailers, mobile vendors, farmers, and nonprofits focused on food insecurity. On Saturday, September 27th, you’ll find downtown Ellsworth filled with food trucks, tables of pies, croissants, and other baked goods, and features from restaurants who might otherwise find it difficult to get away from the kitchen. Plus, music and much more. Ready to chow down on the details? Contact the Ellsworth Chamber to learn more.
Education
Abbe Museum Offers Saturday Hours
(Bar Harbor) The Abbe Museum will be offering Saturday hours, beginning this Saturday, July 26th and again on August 30th and September 27th from 10 to 5 each day. The Abbe, on Mt. Desert Street in Downtown Bar Harbor, showcases a wealth of Wabanaki art, history and culture and has been open weekdays since the pandemic. The last-Saturday openings represent the Museum’s commitment to being open six days a week next year. For more information or to plan your visit, go to abbe museum dot org.
Local High School Senior Finds Passion for Photography is in Demand
(Ellsworth) A local high school senior is finding her passion and talent for photography quite in demand. Molly Smith, who will complete her final year at Ellsworth High School this year, earned her CNA from HCTC in the spring, and you may see her working at area restaurants. But it’s her penchant for taking pictures that’s keeping her beyond busy this year. Molly recently returned from a high school trip to Spain where she was recruited to capture the trip in pictures. At this year’s Skills USA in Atlanta, Molly’s keen eye and professionalism helped document student successes. She’s covered sports games, pictures for friends – and now will serve as the Official Photographer for the August 23rd CrossFit Acadia Games. Games organizers say expect epic moments, gritty action shots and unforgettable memories from Molly’s view behind the lens. You can follow Molly and her incredible work on FB at Molly Smith Photos.
Health
Pandemic May Have Shrunk Our Brains
(NBC) The incredible shrinking brain? It sounds like something out of science fiction, but scientists say brain aging may have sped up during the pandemic, even in people who didn’t get sick from Covid. Using brain scans from a very large database, British researchers determined that during the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022, people’s brains showed signs of aging, including shrinkage, by an average of five and a half months. NBC News reports the findings published in Nature Communications show people who became infected with the virus also showed deficits in certain cognitive abilities, such as processing speed and mental flexibility.
Technology
Arrowsic Faces Competition after Building Its Own Broadband Network
(Arrowsic) The small, midcoast Maine town of Arrowsic couldn’t get a national company to extend internet service to the area, so they stepped up and built their own. It took them nearly a decade and cost more than a million dollars in federal and private funding. Now that initiative is being challenged by an internet giant, Fidium. The Bangor Daily News reports the town’s 500 residents began receiving flyers from Fidium this spring, offering rates significantly lower that the town can offer. Local officials are urging residents not to switch. They say the town’s business model could mean an investment of $50K a year as early as 2029 – but only if a large number of residents refuse to switch to Fidium. The Arrowsic system is paid for, but the town is currently putting away funds to prepare for potential storm damage and other repairs.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Downeast Shakes & Shenanigans Encore Sunday
(Ellsworth) To be or not to be – The Grand production of Downeast Shakes & Shenanigans was “NOT to be” last Sunday, due to those storms and downpours! But wherefore art thou THIS Sunday?! Why, at Knowlton Park for an encore, where you’ll laugh your way through a Downeast version of the Bard’s best bits, with some original contrasting Maine tragicomedy! The performance is free and sponsored by The Grand and the City of Ellsworth. Of course, “All the world’s a stage” – but “to thine ownself be true” … you want to be at the one at Knowlton Park, that’s this Sunday at 4 p.m., right here in Ellsworth for an encore performance of The Grand’s Downeast Shakes & Shenanigans.