Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
No Word on Comfort Dog Baxter’s Tragic Death
(Bangor) Two months after a young comfort dog died in a hot car, authorities still aren’t releasing details about the tragedy. Baxter, a 3-year-old chocolate lab recruited to provide comfort to Maine’s emergency dispatchers, died May 29 after he was left in a car parked at the Bangor Regional Communications Center. Baxter’s handlers said they left the pup in a running vehicle with the air going, but that the vehicle inexplicably stopped running, as outside temperatures reportedly spiked to 82 degrees. The Bangor Daily News reports an independent investigation by the Animal Welfare Program of Maine DACF was initiated. Spokesperson Jim Britt said he was still unable to comment as that investigation is ongoing. Nearly 7,000 people signed a change.org petition demanding someone be held accountable for the dog’s death.
(Bangor) Authorities say they’re still unable to provide details about the tragic death of a comfort dog in May. The 3-year-old chocolate lab named Baxter was recruited to provide comfort to the state’s emergency dispatchers. Baxter was reportedly left in a car whose engine was running at the Bangor RCC on May 29th. But the vehicle for unknown reasons quit running, Baxter apparently wasn’t checked on quickly enough as outside temperatures soared past 80, and the pup died in the hot car. An independent investigation by the Animal Welfare Program of Maine DACF is underway. Spokesperson Jim Britt told the Bangor Daily News, he is unable to comment while the investigation is ongoing.
Politics
Council Votes to Give Ellsworth City Manager Pay Raise
(Ellsworth) The Ellsworth City Council has voted to give City Manager Charlie Pearce a pay raise – from 130 to 140 thousand a year. The Bangor Daily News reports only Councilor Steve O’Halloran objected, expressing concern about the city’s spending. Councilor Patrick Lyons commended Pearce, saying, “He sets a high standard for leadership, is highly ethical and treats everyone fairly and consistently while prioritizing transparency in government.” This year’s overall increase in the City budget was held to just 2.9 percent.
Texas Gerrymandering Could Help Republicans Keep Control of House
(Texas) Texas Republicans on Wednesday unveiled a gerrymandered House map in deference to President Trump. The proposed map would give Republicans a chance to gain five U.S. House seats, including in Dallas, Houston, and along the US border with Mexico. That could help Republicans keep control of the U.S. House after next year’s midterm elections. The President is said to be pressuring Republican legislatures in Missouri, Indiana, and elsewhere to follow Texas’s lead.
Economy
Federal Reserve Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged
(Washington, DC) The Federal Reserve Wednesday left interest rates unchanged for a fifth consecutive meeting, even as data showed tariffs and uncertainty led to slowed economic growth in the first half of the year. The New York Times reports the decision was one of the most contentious policy votes in decades because of internal divisions and political pressure, particularly from the White House. The Central Bank kept interest rates between 4.25 and 4.5 percent, a level reached in December after a series of reductions at the end of last year. Trump has called for borrowing costs to be three percentage points lower, arguing the Fed is holding back an economic boom and making the country’s debt payments more expensive by holding steady at the current rates.
HomePort Open House
(Deer Isle) The public is invited to a second open house at HomePort in Deer Isle this Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The former Island Nursing Home has been transformed into a senior and essential worker housing development. Of the 23 apartments being completed, one will be built to ADA standards to accommodate residents with functional disabilities. HomePort is located at 587 N. Deer Isle Road.
Loaves and Fishes Kicks Off Sneaker Drive
(Ellsworth) Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry is “kicking OFF” “Kicks for a Cause”, a month-long sneaker drive to raise funds for Hancock County families facing food insecurity. During August, in collaboration with the non-profit GotSneakers?, the pantry will collect new and gently used sneakers and hiking shoes. Drop them at the pantry during open hours, or in donation boxes you’ll find throughout the area, including at various Darling’s locations, the Blue Hill and Downeast Family Y’s, First National Bank, Ellsworth Elementary Middle School, and Volta Climbing and Fitness. For every viable pair of sneakers collected, GotSneakers? will pay Loaves & Fishes and then repurpose or recycle everything they receive.
Education
Summit Ready to Open Ellsworth Learning Center
(Ellsworth) Welcome news for those in need of professional childcare this year in Ellsworth. Summit Learning Center reports their Ellsworth location has passed all inspections and is on track to open September 2nd. The highly trained staff includes certified teachers and others with years of experience in childcare. Director Brooke Picard holds a Bachelors in Education and previously taught at Hancock Grammar School. The school is located at 27 Puddleglum Way, just off Christian Ridge Road and is currently enrolling ages 18 months to five years old. Contact c burton at summit l c m e dot com to set up a tour. Summit opened their Bangor location several years ago and is expanding due to demand.
DCP Joins Aroostook County Action Program
(Ellsworth) Downeast Community Partners has entered into a formal partnership with its equivalent, Aroostook County Action Program. The Boards of Directors of both entities say they intend to explore the development of a stronger, unified model for Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook Counties. DCP, with offices in Ellsworth and Machias, was for years known for overseeing the heating programs LiHEAP and THAW, its huge Christmas for Kids and families program, transportation and more, but recently went through staff transitions and financial problems, giving up Head Start because of its ineligibility for grant funds for one of its largest programs. The agencies promise transparency and updates as the merger evolves.
New Hampshire Bans Cellphones in Schools
(Maine) Both Maine and New Hampshire passed laws this year aimed at regulating cell phone use in schools – joining the majority of states across the country. But while Maine requires school districts to create some kind of policy regarding cell phones, it doesn’t require the banning of phones altogether during the school day. The Portsmouth Herald reports the Granite State has taken that step, legislating a bell-to-bell ban that disallows cell phone use from arrival to dismissal, with some exceptions. It’s unclear if the policy will take effect this school year. The New Hampshire law requires schools to develop and adopt policies for a full day cell phone ban, but doesn’t set a deadline for doing so. In Maine, tomorrow (August 1) is the deadline for schools to have created their policies.
Environment
MDIFW Community Science
(Augusta) You watch wildlife, we’ll crunch the numbers! That’s the word from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife as Community Science month kicks off tomorrow. MDIFW is asking citizen scientists to participate in two programs – Deer Spy and Wild Turkey Survey, August 1 through the 31st. Just watch for either or both critters, keep track of the location, date and time, number of adult males and females and fawns or poults. Then share your findings at m e fish wildlife dot com. A perfect activity to do with the kids!
WaPo Visits ANP, Three Other National Parks; Finds Universal Concerns About Cuts
(ANP) Acadia National Park is thronged with visitors this time of year. Recently, a couple of them were Washington Post reporters who traveled to four National Parks to gauge public opinion on the effect of cuts to staffing and funding. Many with whom the reporters spoke were repeat visitors – as one said, “You get the ocean, forests, the inland beaches – it’s just Paradise.” Visitors said they found people taking extra care with trash and upkeep, but the lack of staff was universally concerning. Said Friends of Acadia President Eric Stiles, “We need the hiring freeze to be lifted – that is absolutely essential.” Stiles said he worried about the impact of cuts 5 and 10 years down the road. A first-time visitor at the Beech Mountain trailhead told the Post, “Our national parks are the lungs of our country. When you support our national parks, you support our entire country.” Acadia had close to four million visitors in 2024, and brings $685M a year to the local economy.Other parks visited by the Post were Zion in Utah, Glacier in Montana, and Mammoth Caves, Kentucky, where similar sentiments were expressed.
Precipice Remains Closed for Nesting Peregrine Falcons
(ANP) A reminder from Acadia National Park that Precipice Trail is still closed. That’s because there are currently juvenile peregrine falcons calling Champlain Mountain their home. During this time, the adults are very protective as they teach their “teenagers” how to hunt and become successful breeding adults. Park officials say the adults perceive humans as a major threat to themselves and their young; so if they are busy tending to perceived predators, they aren’t able to spend time “coaching” or hunting for food for their young, which could lead to starvation or the young peregrines having unsuccessful breeding seasons in the future. Precipice generally reopens mid-August; but watch the Park FB page for updates.
Infrastructure
Versant Upgrade in Surry
(Surry) Versant Power will begin making upgrades to a Surry distribution line next week. The utility says the project will improve service for some 300 customers on the easterly side of Toddy Pond and is part of Versant’s multi-year plan to have standardized equipment and voltage along its distribution system. Much of the equipment will be new, upgraded material tested and approved for the new voltage. The area in Surry was selected because its equipment was reaching the end of its useful life. Work is expected to be completed by summer’s end.
Human Interest
Study Indicates You CAN Die of a Broken Heart
(CNN) Can you actually die of a broken heart after the death of a loved one? A new study reported by CNN seems to indicate you can – especially if the grief is overwhelming. New research shows bereaved relatives who experienced “high levels” of grief symptoms were more likely to die in the 10 years following their bereavement than those who experienced “low levels” of grief. The study was published this month in the journal Frontiers in Public Health and may help explain why couples in long marriages and relationships tend to not survive long after the death of a spouse or significant other.
Woodlawn Offers Activities for Kids to Help Round Out Summer
(Ellsworth) As summer winds down here in Downeast Maine, parents and caregivers may be looking for activities to keep the kids entertained. Woodlawn in Ellsworth has you covered! Children 16 and younger can visit the Black House Museum for free with a paying adult, and they offer a scavenger hunt for kids of all ages. On August 19th, join local author Laura Freudig as she reads her children’s book, Halfway Wild! Participants will also make a craft based on the book. Halfway Wild is the new story up on the Woodlawn story trail! To learn about more activities, for more information or to register for classes, visit woodlawn ellsworth dot org.
Beth C. Wright Sponsors Machias Wild Blueberry Run
(Machias) Speaking of sneakers, lace up those walking and running shoes and join in the Machias Wild Blueberry Run, sponsored by the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center. The 5 mile run/walk and one mile fun run kick off Saturday, August 16th as part of the annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival. Every dollar raised helps ensure the many services offered to cancer patients and their families remain free of charge, so no one has to face cancer alone. The Center is looking for sponsorships at all levels to help defray the cost of the event. For more information on becoming a sponsor or signing up for the event, visit beth wright cancer center dot org.