Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Authorities Release Additional Info on Glenburn Incident
(Hermon) Authorities have released additional information related to a violent incident that occurred Sunday. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, shortly after 3 pm, the RCC received a report of gunfire and damage to a vehicle and residence on Danforth Drive in Glenburn. Witnesses indicated multiple suspects wearing ski masks fled the scene. Deputies encountered the suspects in a vehicle on Union Street in Hermon, but they attempted to flee, with two of the three suspects then taking off on foot when the vehicle stopped at an intersection. One suspect broke into a residence, one hid under a mobile home, but all three were ultimately apprehended. Subsequent search warrants turned up a large number of drugs and handguns. The suspects face multiple charges as the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Missing Dog After Home Invasion
(Glenburn) A home invasion in Glenburn Sunday resulted in the loss of one of the family’s most treasured belongings – the family dog. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office is hoping the public will help in finding her. Deputies tell Star 97.7, they responded to a serious incident on August 3rd, but the suspects escaped the scene, and one broke into a home on Lake View Road. Although the homeowners weren’t present at the time, their 9-year-old English Mastiff named Rosie was inside and managed to escape. Authorities say they’ve made a thorough search, but to no avail; and they’re asking for help in locating the friendly but timid pup. They say Rosie is wearing a collar with a pink bandanna that has her identification information. I’ve posted her picture on my FB page. Thanks for keeping an eye out!
Local Politics
Otter Creek Residents Fight to Maintain, Restore Vibrancy
(Otter Creek) These days, Otter Creek is barely a crossroads off the beaten path, deep in Acadia National Park. But The Island Journal reports there was a time the waterfront village bustled with commerce, where fishermen baited trawl lines with shucked mussels, quarry workers loaded pink granite on schooners, and native Americans hunted while settlers farmed nearby land. Longtime resident Steve Smith says that all began to change when the Rockefellers started acquiring the land for the park, and, Smith says, “began stealing one piece after another for over 100 years.” Smith has battled park officials for decades and has even gone to Washington, DC to advocate for removal of a stone causeway he calls the “Wall of Death” because it restricts adequate tidal flushing and “killed the inner harbor”. Others are fighting for restoration, as well, and the return of a working waterfront. But change takes time. Those involved believe it will happen – but not likely in time for Smith’s generation to enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
Ellsworth City Hall Goes to Four Day Week with Expanded Hours
(Ellsworth) Effective Monday, August 11th, Ellsworth City Hall will be open more hours, but fewer days each week. The City says the new operating hours will expand total weekly public access while simplifying and streamlining hours. Under the new model, City Hall will be open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, offering 44 hours of service per week, as opposed to the current 42 hours per week. The new schedule is the result of recent negotiations with the Clerk’s Union, with support from City Manager Charlie Pearce and others. The updated schedule will improve service availability, add consistency to hours of operation, and is anticipated to generate modest cost savings due to reduced building operation needs on Fridays – all without increasing staffing costs. The City says the revised hours respond to public feedback requesting predictability and flexibility when accessing City services.
Fraud and Scam Prevention Training
(Machias) Fraud and scams – they’re everywhere these days. Criminals seem to especially target the elderly. If that’s you, or if you have a vulnerable adult in your family, join the Sunrise Senior College at the University of Maine Machias tomorrow from 10 to 11 a.m. to learn about smishing, phishing, and vishing. Call UMM to register.
Washington County Caucus
(Machias) This Thursday, August 7th, the municipal officers of Washington County, District Two, will caucus to fill one seat for a regular three-year term and another seat vacated when a budget committee member became no longer a municipal officer of Lubec. That position needs to be filled for the remaining two years of that term. Every town in Washington County, District Two, is invited to caucus to fill the two seats – that includes Cutler, Machias, East Machias, Whiting, Pembroke, Dennysville, Perry, and others. The caucus will take place beginning at 3 p.m. in the Washington County Courthouse Commissioners’ Office – 85 Court Street in Machias. Show up if you’d like to have a say.
Maine Republicans Remain Behind Susan Collins
(Washington, DC) Maine Senator Susan Collins doesn’t always toe the line when it comes to her party – especially when it comes to Donald Trump. The Bangor Daily News reports Collins recently opposed a number of inclusions in the budget bill, including those deep cuts to Medicaid. The President last week blasted Collins on his Truth Social account, calling on Republicans to “vote the exact opposite” of Collins and “generally speaking, you can’t go wrong.” But one source echoed a common sentiment that Republicans respect Collins, even when they disagree with the long-serving Senator. Maine House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham said, “No one can question that she puts more thought and homework into every vote she takes … and she always does what she believes is best for the state of Maine.” When asked whether Trump’s criticism of Collins will matter to Maine voters, Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart had a one-word response, “No”.
Government to Stop Sending Paper Social Security Checks
(CNN) As of September 30th, there will be no more paper Social Security checks. CNN reports the change, an effort to modernize federal benefit payments, deter fraud, and save money, will affect a little over half a million – or less than 1% – of recipients. A few exceptions will be made, for those age 90 or over, have a mental impairment, or live in an extremely remote location. Others will need to choose between direct deposit or a prepaid debit card known as Direct Express.
Christmas in July Fast Overcoming Black Friday
(NYT) Christmas in July is fast becoming the new “Black Friday”. The New York Times reports rising costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty are pushing more shoppers to begin buying for the holidays as early as mid-summer. Some 21 percent of those in a recent survey said they had already started holiday shopping – that’s up from 16 percent a year ago. One early shopper said, “These are the best weeks to do Christmas shopping because you get more bang for your buck. Stores are trying to get rid of stuff to the point they’re handing it to you.” Although Amazon did not disclose exact figures, that online retailer reported record sales during last month’s Prime Day event.
Maine Ends Fiscal Year with Surplus Funds
(Augusta) Although still falling short of its peak fiscal year in 2022 when Maine recorded a nearly $600M surplus, MaineBiz reports the state ended FY 2025 with a $152.2M general fund surplus. The state ended the fiscal year with a record billion dollar rainy day fund and an upgraded credit rating from Fitch Ratings that raised its bond credit from double A to double A-plus, the second highest rating issued by the international credit rating agency. Maine State Treasurer Joe Perry said the ratings upgrade affirms the state is on a good path.
Celebrity Couple Supports Work of Salvation Army
(Undated) Carlos and Alexa PenaVega are known for their roles on Nickelodeon’s “Big Time Rush” and the movie “Spy Kids”. They tell Star 97.7, they’ve also been longtime partners of the non-profit Salvation Army. Alexa says the organization has been there for her personally, and is there in times of disaster, as well. (((Sal Army 1 “…they are already there meeting it.” :19))) The couple has participated in numerous service days with the Salvation Army and will join the organization this year to shop for school supplies that will be distributed to those in need.
(Undated) As the new school year approaches, families facing housing instability, food insecurity, or financial hardship are struggling to afford basic supplies. Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, known for their roles in Nickelodeon’s “Big Time Rush” and the movie “Spy Kids”, tell Star 97.7 it’s one reason they’ve for years supported the Salvation Army. (((Sal Army 2 “…all their essential school supplies.” :18))) This year, the PenaVegas will be working with the Salvation Army to shop for school supplies to be distributed to children in need. If you’d like to donate toward that cause, visit salvation army u s a dot org – the PenaVegas tell us every dollar that comes in is spent in your zip code and in your community.
(Undated) If you have kids, you’re no doubt familiar with Carlos and Alexa PenaVega, known for their roles on Nickelodeon and in the movie “Spy Kids”. The married couple is also known for their servant hearts. Star 97.7 asked the PenaVegas how having children of their own has increased their passion for helping others through the Salvation Army. (((Sal Army 3 “…to the families who are in need.” :20))) Carlos says every dollar that comes in is spent in your zip code … in YOUR community. To learn more or to donate, visit salvation army u s a dot org.
Environment
Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries Plans Open Houses
(Stonington) The Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries invites you to two open houses coming up in Stonington. The events are a great opportunity to learn about the important work MCCF does on behalf of fishermen and fisheries in Downeast Maine. This Thursday, August 7th, enjoy refreshments, meet Island Connectivity Hub partners, explore free digital devices and tools, and learn how to connect education programs, workforce pathways, and community resources at the Stonington Schoolhouse. That’s from 4-6 p.m. Then MCCF invites you to an August 13th Open House at 13 Atlantic Avenue in Stonington. That begins promptly at Noon, and participants will enjoy a guided tour with research updates from their team of scientists, followed by a Q&A session with refreshments. Bring a friend and learn, connect, and enjoy!
Infrastructure
ANP Maintenance Building Nearing Completion
(ANP) Acadia National Park’s Maintenance Building was badly in need of … well, maintenance. The Bangor Daily News reports the structure, originally built in the 1930’s and expanded in the ‘60’s. Five years after Congress passed the act that funded a new building, that facility is nearly complete. Work began in the spring of 2023 and is expected to wrap up later this year. The new building will primarily house maintenance functions, such as a carpentry shop, welding space, a shop for plumbing and electrical projects, another for masonry projects, vehicle maintenance space, and space for the trails crew to store equipment and tools. Offices and increased parking spaces are also being added. Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider says if Congress approves the America the Beautiful Act as proposed by Senator Angus King, the park will likely seek funding for a new Jordan Pond House, which has also outlived its expected lifespan.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Food Fest Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Food Fest Ellsworth will kick off with the Market on Main in the Franklin Street Parklet, on Store Street, and at other participating downtown businesses on September 27th. Anyone associated with food is invited to participate – whether a grower, maker, retailer, or a group fighting food insecurity, participate with a vending or information booth or food truck that Saturday from 11 to 4. Food Fest Ellsworth will continue through October 7th, with visitors receiving a passport to be stamped for special offers. RSVP to the Union River Center for Innovation by August 11th, that’s next Monday.
Autumn Gold Family Fun Zone
(Ellsworth) This year’s Autumn Gold Celebration in Ellsworth includes the Family Fun Zone on Saturday, September 27th from 10 until 2 at Knowlton Park. There is still space for area businesses and organizations to participate in the family fun event by hosting an activity such as face painting, tie-dyeing t-shirts, craft tables, games, and more. Kids will be given passports to be stamped at each activity and will then turn them in for prizes. For more information, contact Terri Lambert at autumn gold at ellsworth chamber dot org.