Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Windjammer Passengers File Injury Lawsuit
(Rockland) An Arizona couple who were passengers on the windjammer Mercantile in July 2023 have filed a lawsuit against the ship’s owner. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the cruise listed in the suit left from Camden Harbor in July 2023. The woman reportedly fell and fractured her foot while moving between the upper and lower decks. In their complaint, Jill and Kurt Strecker say the Mercantile was equipped with an unsecured wooden stepstool between the decks for passengers to use going up and down the different levels. The stool reportedly shifted when Jill Strecker put her foot on it, causing her to lose footing. The Streckers are reportedly seeking economic damages for medical and related expenses, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, and court costs.
Deadly Gas Forces Evacuation of Rockland Police Department Building
(Rockland) Members of the Rockland Police Department and patrons and staff of Park Street Grill, located above the RPD, were forced to evacuate those buildings this week after high levels of carbon monoxide were detected. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the problem, which occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, was first believed to be an issue with the CO detector. Authorities determined the source of the deadly gas was a forklift operating inside the garage portion of a building occupied by the Maine Lobster Festival Committee. Fans were brought in to clear the air in the buildings, which took a little over an hour. Fire Department personnel say the event is a great reminder to have carbon monoxide detectors, in order to warn occupants of the colorless, odorless, but deadly gas in our homes and workplaces.
Economy
Sweet Cheeks Bakery Opening Fourth 24-7 Location
(Newport) Whether that craving for something sweet hits at 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., you’ll soon have even more options to satisfy it! WABI reports Sweet Cheeks Bakery is opening a fourth 24-7 location inside the Newport Plaza. Owner Jonathan Beal says they should be open at the Newport location by September 1st, around the same time they hope to open Sweet Cheeks Diner in Bucksport. Sweet Cheeks opened their first bakery on Verona Island in 2021, adding 24/7 locations in Ellsworth and Holden in 2024 and a storefront in Ellsworth this past January.
Town of Brooklin Haven for Wooden Boat Builders
(Brooklin) The Town of Brooklin is a hub for wooden boat lovers. MaineBiz reports WoodenBoat Magazine, first published in 1974, and the WoodenBoat School, established in 1981, have been attractions for decades. As the homeport of multiple boat builders, the town of just over 800 (double in the summer) has been dubbed the “Boatbuilding Capital of the World”. A plan is in the works to create a maritime research center and photo collection to house books on such topics as yachting histories, fisheries, rigging and sails, and all types and sizes of watercraft. A fundraising campaign hopes to generate $2.5M. Unlike maritime collections in museum settings, the center, to be housed at the Friend Memorial Public Library, will be accessible to the public.
Officials Differ Over Percent of Utility Rate Hikes
(Maine) Have Maine utility rates truly spiked by more than a third in the past year? The Portland Press Herald says reports differ. According to new federal data, Maine has seen the nation’s biggest increase in residential electricity prices over the past year, rising 36% from May 2024 to May 2025. Maine officials say that while electricity prices are up since last year, the climb has been more gradual than the 36% hike shown by revenue changes. Public Advocate Heather Sanborn said from June 2024 to June of this year, Central Maine Power Co. customers saw a 20.7% increase, while Versant customers saw rates go up 11.9% in the Bangor Hydro District and by 15% in the Maine Public District. The Governor’s Energy Office, meanwhile, estimated that monthly bills increased by about 10% from May 2024 to 2025 for customers of both utilities.
Education
Grants for Rural Teachers
(Orono) If you’re a teacher – here in Downeast Maine, especially – chances are you teach in a rural school. The UMaine College of Education invites you to apply for up to $2500 to help access professional development opportunities this school year. “What I Need” or WIN funds can be used for course tuition at qualifying schools, conference attendance, travel cost and lodging, book study materials, mental health supports, teacher coaching, and more. Any full time classroom teacher in a rural school district in Maine is eligible to apply at the link you’ll find with this story on our website. https://umaine.edu/news/blog/2025/08/05/umaines-rural-thrive-project-announces-fund-to-support-rural-teacher-professional-development/
Bangor to Try Online-Only School
(Bangor) Following the pandemic, studies show many students simply didn’t return to the classroom, and truancy continues to be a widespread problem. This year, Bangor High School students may have the option of learning completely online. Superintendent Marie Robinson told the Bangor Daily News the program will be tested this year with a single class of about 20 students. The goal, Robinson says, is to offer students a more flexible learning plan. The program will be run by online learning company EdMENtum, with Bangor graduation coaches acting as facilitators and meeting regularly with participating students over Zoom. The school department plans to evaluate the results at the end of the year and consider whether or not to expand the program.
Ellsworth Public Library Hosts History Channel Contestant
(Ellsworth) Imagine being dropped into the wilderness alone and expected to survive with limited resources for as long as possible. That’s the basis of the History Channel program “Alone”. Maine native Michelle Finn has been a contestant on the show twice! Tonight, she’ll share her story at the Ellsworth Public Library, detailing her inspiring wilderness experiences, what she learned, the challenges and opportunities. Michelle grew up on the Maine coast and, after earning a degree in Elementary Education, instead chose bushcraft studies. She lived primitively for nearly two years, running programs for adults and children to help them connect to the wilderness. Don’t miss her riveting presentation – 6 p.m. this evening at the Ellsworth Public Library.
Loaves and Fishes Roof Leak
(Ellsworth) If you happened to drive past or stop at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry yesterday, you likely noticed the roof teeming with workers. Board President Tracy Shaffer tells Star 97.7, the pantry has had to dip into their funds to repair a roof leak. Tough timing with growing numbers of families facing food insecurity and staggering cuts to food programs – $1.25M in funding in the next three years, according to Good Shepherd Food Bank.. If you’ve ever thought of donating, now would be an opportune and VERY welcome time. You can send a secure donation at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Environment
Free Pesticide Disposal
(Bangor) Do you have unwanted pesticides? Improper disposal can pollute soil, ground- and surface-water, posing risks to humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Maine’s Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program offers a safe, free way for homeowners and family-owned farms to dispose of outdated or unused pesticides. One-day collection events for obsolete and unwanted pesticides will be held in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland this October. The program is open to Maine resident homeowners and family-owned farms, but you must register by September 26th – no drop-ins will be permitted. To register, visit think first spray last dot org.
Group Purchases Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens
(Blue Hill) The land has been purchased, the pristine parcel with its beautiful views and thriving wildlife saved. When a Kennebunk developer purchased the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens on Route 172 in Blue Hill in 2023, citizens who lived nearby and used it to walk their pets, as access for elver fishermen, and to simply enjoy its scenic views, jumped into action. Last week, Blue Hill Community Development, acting as fiscal sponsor, was able to purchase the land back from the developer for $1.8M. According to the group Save the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens, the purchase was made possible by an interest free loan from an anonymous foundation. The group is now raising funds to finish repaying the loan. Once repaid, the land will be transferred to Blue Hill Heritage Trust and open to the public once again. You can donate to Blue Hill Community Development via PayPal.
Health
Red Cross Reminds Folks to Donate Blood This Month
(Ellsworth) As August heralds changes in routines and end-of-summer plans, the need for blood remains consistent. Dan Dowling, Regional Communications Manager with Red Cross Northern New England, encourages people to give during August, which is also National Wellness Month. When you donate this month, you’ll be offered free A-1C screening for diabetes and pre-diabetes, and a $15 e-card. Opportunities coming up include the 21st at the Blue Hill YMCA, the 26th at the Ellsworth Elks Lodge, and the 29th at Atlantic Oceanside in Bar Harbor. Blood drives in Knox, Waldo, and Penobscot Counties are scheduled, as well. Visit red cross blood dot org for your chance to save lives.
Infrastructure
Completion Date Set for Acadia Gateway Center
(Trenton) August 14th is the new target date for completion of the Acadia Gateway Center. The Maine Department of Transportation says the 11,000 square foot welcome center and transit hub in Trenton, originally scheduled to be completed in May, is intended to intercept southbound traffic on Route 3 before it reaches Mount Desert Island, with an eye toward reducing traffic congestion and helping tourists plan their visits to the park. Visitors and commuters will be encouraged to use the Island Explorer and other transportation options. It’s hoped the new center will also relieve overcrowding at the Hulls Cove Visitor’s Center, which park officials say will remain open. No word on when the new center will actually open once completed.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Maine Outdoor Film Fest Comes to Downtown Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Yet another great evening coming to Downtown Ellsworth! Heart of Ellsworth will present The Maine Outdoor Film Festival at the Franklin Street Parklet on Wednesday, August 20th. MOFF produces film experiences related to the beauty, interactivity, and complexity of the planet. Films will begin at 7:30, so show up early to get your spot. The event is for all ages, with a suggested cost of $5 to $10 to help support the work of Heart of Ellsworth, whose mission is to promote artistic, educational, historic, and other activities in the downtown area. Special thanks to lead sponsor, Volta Climbing Gym. Rain date is August 27th.
Messenger Animal Rescue Looking for Drivers
(Harrington) The Messenger Animal Rescue in Harrington is looking for reliable volunteer drivers to help transport cats, kittens, and eventually dogs to their spay/neuter appointments. The shelter typically uses Maine Health Alliance, a low-cost clinic in Augusta that helps keep down adoption fees. Drivers would typically pick up the little ones the night before and have them at the clinic by 7:30 a.m. and be picked up around 4 p.m. that same day. Follow through is super important, as last minute cancellations, even a few days before, can really throw things off, delaying vetting and then adoptions.
First Woman to Umpire Major League Baseball Game
(AP) A quick sports note – Jen Pawol is set to become the first female to umpire a game in Major League Baseball when she works games this weekend between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Pawol will work the bases in Saturday’s doubleheader at Truist Park and the plate on Sunday.