Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Victims in OOB Camper Explosion Succumb to Injuries
(Old Orchard Beach) Authorities say the two women in that camper explosion at an Old Orchard Beach Campground have succumbed to their injuries. Officials tell Star 97.7 News, Alesia Ventura-Large and her friend, Nancy Pilsch, both 58 and from Massachusetts, were in Alesia’s camper about 12:30 Saturday, when it’s believed one of the women went to light a candle. Unbeknownst to the women, it appears LP gas had been leaking into and beneath the camper, causing an explosion. The women were taken to Maine Medical Center with severe burns but later died. The Fire Marshal’s Office is urging the public to install gas detectors in any living space where propane or natural gas appliances are used. The detectors can alert occupants of any gas buildup so they can evacuate and/or use other safety precautions.
Five Arrested Following Searsport Drug Investigation
(Searsport) A month-long investigation in Searsport has led to the arrest of five people on drug trafficking charges. Warrants obtained by Maine State Police, the Waldo County Sheriff’s Department, and MDEA agents led to a July 17th search of 7 and 11 Dead Brook Lane in Searsport. As a result of that search, agents seized $3700 in suspected drug proceeds, along with suspected cocaine base. Another search warrant was executed last Friday, resulting in the discovery of more cash and drugs. Arrested were 43 yo Daniel Carchide, and 36 yo Alyssa Heroux of Searsport, along with three people from Bronx, New York. Four of the five suspects are being held in the Waldo County Jail awaiting initial court appearances.
Families of Lost Fishermen Raising Money for Addison Memorial
(Addison) The families of Chet and Aaron Barrett, who drowned when their vessel went down in stormy seas in January, are raising money to help memorialize the fishermen’s names, after a committee reportedly denied inclusion of their names on the Lubec Lost Fishermen’s Monument. Because the men weren’t actively fishing at the time of the tragedy, they reportedly did not fit the committee’s criteria for their names to be added in Lubec. It’s still hoped – and at least one committee member has indicated openness to this – the criteria can be changed and the men’s names added. In the meantime, the Barretts’ surviving family hopes to install a pair of memorial benches with a plaque honoring Chet and Aaron in their hometown of Addison. You’ll find a Go Fund Me link to donate on my FB page.
Local Politics
Familiar Face Steps in to Fill Chamber Role
(Ellsworth) A familiar face is stepping in to fill the role of Interim Executive Director at the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce. Peter Farragher will lead the Chamber on a part time basis, succeeding PJ Keenan, who is resigning as of July 31st. Keenan cited personal reasons for stepping down. Farragher served as CEO of the Down East Family YMCA for 24 years before retiring from that position in 2023. A Lamoine resident, he moved to Hancock County in 1998. As a member of the Rotary Club of Ellsworth, Farragher recently helped spearhead the first phase of the DeMeyer Field Project. Farragher will begin his stint as Interim Chamber Director on August 12th.
Legislation Would Exempt Small Businesses from Tariffs on Canadian Imports
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins is one of a group of six bipartisan legislators proposing an act that would exempt US-owned small businesses from tariffs imposed on Canada, Maine’s largest trading partner. Collins noted tariffs lead to supply chain disruptions, increased costs, smaller profits, and higher costs to consumers. The so-called CANADA Act is supported by Main Street Alliance and Small Business Majority.
City of Ellsworth Hires First Parks & Recreation Director
(Ellsworth) Coordinating city-wide festivals and events, overseeing close to 30 recreational assets, waterfront and trail development, and ensuring Ellsworth’s parks and related infrastructure remain safe, functional, and aligned with community needs. Those are just some of the projects and activities that will now be under the direction of Roddy Ehrlenbach, the City’s first ever Parks and Recreation Director. Ehrlenbach is an Ellsworth High School grad that’s no stranger to the City. He spent the past 20-plus years at Sugarloaf, helping to usher through some of the resort’s most ambitious recreation initiatives. Ehrlenbach will lead the new Parks & Recreation Department, officially stepping into the role on August 4th.
Hancock County Commissioners Begin Work on Budget
(Ellsworth) The Hancock County Commissioners have begun working on the County Budget for 2026. The Ellsworth American reports one of the things being considered is a 7.5% wage increase for all non-union employees. Union employees will get a 5% increase as set by contract. The board also plans to hire a consultant to do an in-depth analysis of county salaries, with an eye to the area’s cost of living and the responsibilities of each job. Human Resources Manager Josh Griffin says the County spends about $7.5M each year on salaries, including wages for 24-7 operations, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, the jail and RCC, but not including the cost of benefits.
Economy
Maine Hospitals at Risk of Losing Millions in Medicaid Cuts
(Maine) A new national study says Maine hospitals are at risk of annual losses totaling $66M due to Medicaid cuts. MaineBiz reports with Medicaid currently accounting for nearly one-fifth of all US hospital care spending, the proposed cuts could deliver substantial blows to hospital systems nationwide. That’s according to DC-based think tank, Third Way. The hardest hit facilities are expected to include Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine General Health in Augusta and Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Education
Washington County Readies for Blueberry Harvest School
(Washington County) It’s back to school in Washington County – Blueberry Harvest School, that is. BHS is a summer school for migrant children ages 3-13, designed to provide students with the opportunity to attend school while they’re in Maine and who may be missing credits in their home states. The program is open to eligible children of migrant workers in Washington County during the blueberry harvest. Migrant families come from native tribes, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and from as far away as Florida and Mississippi, staying anywhere from two to five weeks or longer. To see some of the kids’ projects from Blueberry Harvest School, visit mano en mano on YouTube.
Versant Power August Programming
(Orono) Friday marks the start of a brand new month … and that means brand new programming at the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the UMaine campus in Orono. Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, on Friday nights during August you’ll find when it comes to science and art, the sky’s the limit. (((Aug 1 “…but, of course, also to the arts.” :16))) Laatsch says you’ll discover all things astronomy, from theatrical plays, to music, to physical art and everything related to art and science in a special way. Friday nights at 7 through the month of August at the Versant Power Astronomy Center.
(Orono) From new children’s programming to a new music show – Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, August offers something for everyone at the center on the UMaine campus in Orono. (((Aug 2 “…really a fun program as well.” :22))). Children’s programs Sundays at 2, followed by music shows at 4. And you can always get tickets at the door or at astro dot umaine dot e d u.
(Orono) Escape the heat and take the kids to summer matinees at the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the UMaine campus in Orono! Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, it’s a great way to keep the kids from getting bored and also to make sure they’re prepared and ready to soak up that learning once they do head back to school. (((Aug 3 “…to check it out here at the planetarium.” :17))) Tickets at the door or at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Environment
Meteor Watch Day
(Undated) June 30th is Meteor Watch Day – and with good reason. Not one, but TWO meteor showers will be putting on a show with nature’s celestial fireworks. The Southern Delta Aquariid AND the Alpha Capricornid meteor showers peak at the same time in the early morning hours Wednesday. The waxing moon will be just about a quarter full; so, without too much interference from moonlight, experts say the meteors should appear bright and clear … as long as you’re away from city lights. The best viewing will be in the early morning hours. While tomorrow morning will be peak, both showers last through August 12th. And if you miss them? The Perseids peak in mid August. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, this year’s Perseids coincide with a full moon, so not the best viewing – but prime viewing for that shower, August 11 between 2 and 4 a.m.
Health
Northern Light Scrambles to Come to Contract Agreement with Northern Light
(Maine) According to a hospital spokesperson, about 30K of Northern Light’s established primary care patients are covered by Anthem or Anthem Medicare Advantage. But the Bangor Daily News reports in a July 22nd email to clients, Northern Light said negotiations between the hospital and the insurance giant had so far been unsuccessful. Talks between the two stalled at the beginning of June when the hospital announced the contract would expire if Anthem didn’t agree to raise reimbursement rates. If no agreement is reached, all non-hospital Northern Light providers, including primary care and specialists, would leave Anthem’s network September 30th, according to Anthem. If the two parties fail to reach an agreement before deadlines, Northern Light patients covered by Anthem may be forced to find new insurance, pay more out of pocket or find new providers.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Downtown Ellsworth Bands Together to Bring Music to Franklin Street Parklet
(Ellsworth) You might say Downtown Ellsworth businesses have “banded” together to bring entertainment to the Franklin Street Parklet Summer Series. Kicking off this Thursday at 7, the series includes live music, outdoor films, and community moments, thanks to Heart of Ellsworth and sponsors like Elizabeth’s Fine Goods, Flexit Café, Rooster Brother, Pyramid Studios, and Fogtown Brewing Company! The first event this week features The Soul Benders as they take the stage with a soulful mix of 60s and 70s dance and jazz, reimagined for today! Grab dinner at your favorite downtown eatery and enjoy the concert, camaraderie, and connecting with all downtown has to offer – that’s Thursday at 7 at the Franklin Street Parklet in downtown Ellsworth!
Christmas in July Brings Joy to the Grand
(Ellsworth) Joy to the Grand – the community turned out! Once again, Christmas in July was a real gift to the town’s premier entertainment venue, with the community raising just shy of $5500 for your Grand Theatre in Ellsworth. From legos to luncheons, bath bombs to bird feeders, from school supplies to staycations, the trees and tree sponsors, volunteers and ticket buyers staged one heck of a holiday payday! Next up at your Grand, live theatre auditions for Grease, the Musical. Starting this Thursday at 6 p.m. and open to all skill levels. Come be a part of the play – because, as they say, this is YOUR Grand!