Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Authorities Reveal Cause of Death of Toddler Found Dead in Milford
(Milford) Authorities say the Pennsylvania toddler found dead in a car in Milford this weekend died of hyperthermia, or overheating. The Bangor Daily News reports an affidavit released yesterday shows officers arrived at a Freshies parking lot in Milford about 8 p.m. and found the bodies of the girl and a dog. The mother, Kelly Brown, returned to the car about half an hour later, claiming she had been picking up trash and was swept into the Penobscot River. Brown had reportedly posted disturbing videos on her FB page and told relatives she had been hallucinating. She was arrested, charged with manslaughter, and is being held on $50,000 bond.
Drought Conditions Spark Fears of Wildfires
(Maine) Officials are warning the current near-drought conditions are perfect for sparking wildfires. A fire off Track Road in Baileyville had burned approximately 30 acres as of yesterday, according to the Maine Forest Rangers’ FB page. As of 1 p.m. Monday, that fire was 20% contained. No structures are threatened, and firefighters say there’s currently no threat to the public. Crews were working on installing saw lines and a hose lay and say they will continue to be on scene over the next week. Over the weekend, rangers also responded to wildfires in Big Lake Township, Surry, Sanford, Millinocket, and Beddington.
Driver in Fiery Crash in Bowdoinham Identified
(Bowdoinham) Authorities now say the driver killed in that Sunday afternoon crash on I-295 in Bowdoinham was 52 yo Nicholas Disy of Pennsylvania. Crews responded to reports of a fire about 4 p.m. and found a vehicle off the roadway in the median. Investigators say it appears Disy left the road and struck several trees at a high rate of speed, causing the vehicle to burst into flames. Anyone who witnessed that crash is asked to call Maine State Police.
Local Politics
Write-In Candidate Does That as a Joke, Actually Wins
(Milford) When no one took out papers to run for the Milford School Committee recently, town firefighter Morgan Gunnell wrote his name on the ballot as a joke. The Bangor Daily News reports six others also penned Gunnell’s name on the blank, and he won – NO joke. When the vote was tallied, Gunnell beat out another write-in candidate that secured just five votes. The Committee oversees the Dr. Lewis S. Libby K-8 School; and while most say they’ll support Gunnell, they wonder about the level of representation of someone who won with fewer than 10 votes. Others acknowledge a heated political climate, even at the local level, discourages constituents from running for office.
Bellows Responds to DOJ Request for Voter Information
(Augusta) Multiple states, including Maine, have received requests for voter files from the US Department of Justice. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Monday responded with a letter reminding the DOJ the Constitution entrusts states, and not the federal government, with responsibility for administering elections. Bellows called the forefathers’ foresight, “…a critically important check and balance on potential federal abuse of power,” adding Mainers should be proud the state is a national leader in voter registration and turnout. She said the DOJ’s questioning of the state’s success “smacks of federal interference in our elections.”
Economy
Billings Appointed ED of Island Housing Trust
(Bar Harbor) Sherry Billings has been tapped to serve as new Executive Director of Island Housing Trust. Billings will replace Marla O’Byrne, who is retiring after serving since 2018. Billings’ previous experience includes 16 years with a domestic violence resource center and decades of experience in non-profit leadership and community development. IHT says she also brings a deep understanding of the housing crisis facing the region. Billings officially steps into the role late next month.
Oli’s Trolley Under New Ownership
(ANP) (((SFX “…we’re on board Oli’s Trolley.” :05))) Visitors to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor have for thirty three years found a tour on Oli’s Trolley just the ticket for an overview of the history, culture, and views of the beautiful scenery they come here for, along with the Cliff Notes (see what I did there – cliff notes) about the area. Oli’s Trolley will be around for a long time to come, but now under new ownership. Denise Morgan and Larry Sweets have sold the family-owned business to Do Good Group, a Maine-based organization they say outshone other potential successors because of their commitment to supporting employees, empowering non-profits, and fostering sustainable growth. Liz Sturm, a competent and passionate local, will step into the role of CEO and says she’s excited to continue the Oli’s Trolley legacy. Hop on board!
Virtual Forum on Insurance Rate Increases
(Maine) Revised health insurance rate filings for 2026 under review include a proposed 8.1% increase for United Healthcare of New England, 24.8% for Anthem Health Plans of Maine, and a 32.7% increase for Taro Health/Mending Health. That’s according to information published in last week’s Pen Bay Pilot. Other plan increases are proposed, as well. The Maine Bureau of Insurance will hold a virtual public forum this Friday (August 15) at 9 a.m. to discuss the proposed increases by health insurers who offer coverage in the merged market. The forum will include information on reasons for the proposed rate increases and an opportunity for participants to offer comments. Anyone wishing to attend the virtual forum must preregister on the Bureau’s website.
Education
Searsport Among a Dozen School Districts Without Budgets
(Searsport) The school district that serves Searsport is one of at least a dozen in Maine that still don’t have budgets as they barrel toward the coming school year. The Bangor Daily News reports Searsport is one of several that has seen proposed budgets rejected twice, with third referendums on the way. In a tight economy, districts look desperately for cuts to appease voters. A large portion of costs facing schools is connected to government mandates and contractual obligations, like those of Special Ed departments. Such costs make it tough for districts to trim fat without cutting staff that in many schools are already stretched thin.
Environment
Maine Maritime Academy Ocean Studies Interns Monitor Marsh Vegetation
(Maine) Maine’s prized ecosystems face stressors including man-made development, climate change, and invasive species. A group of research interns from Maine Maritime Academy is studying marsh vegetation in preparation for restoration at Mill Creek Marsh along Route 175 in Penobscot. The group is part of a three-year monitoring project at the marsh that, over the next two years, will undergo a tidal flow restoration with the replacement of a road culvert. Last week, the interns identified a vast array of grasses, sedges, and rushes common to both salt and freshwater wetland habitat. Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the town of Penobscot, and others are helping to fund the project.
National Weather Service Wants Info on Your Dry Conditions
(Maine) The National Weather Service says dry conditions are worsening in the Central Highlands to the Downeast Coast here in Maine. They’re looking for your reports from all over Eastern and Northern Maine about what you are seeing. NWS says sharing your gardening, lawn, agriculture and well water reports can provide vital information to help improve their ability to warn the public of increasing drought concerns in the state. They’re asking if, with permission to use them, you would post any pictures you have, as well – for example, wilting flowers, burnt lawns, leaf drops, etc. Also, include what you saw, when it started happening, and your location. You can post information and pictures on the US National Weather Service Caribou, Maine FB page.
Technology
AOL to End Dial Up
(Undated) (((Sfx AOL Dial Up :05))) The sound that signaled logging onto the internet will go silent on September 30th. More than three decades after it first launched, NewsCenter Maine reports AOL is ending its dial up service. America Online issued a statement on their webpage saying the decision is the result of routinely evaluating products and services. And lest you think dial up is a relic that is no longer used, 2023 data from the US Census Bureau showed 160,000 users were still connecting to the internet using their landlines. By comparison, more than 100 million people are connected via broadband such as cable, fiber optic, or DSL.
Health
Beth C. Wright Baileyville Conference
(Baileyville) It’s rare these days to find anyone whose life hasn’t in some way been affected by cancer – either through their own experience or that of a friend or loved one. The Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center invites cancer survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, and community advocates to a day of education, storytelling, and resource-sharing, uniquely tailored to the needs of rural Downeast Maine. “The Informed Care Circle” conference will be held Friday, October 3rd, at the Center’s Baileyville location. Executive Director Angela FO-kuh-SAW-toe (Fochesato) tells Star 97.7, the goal of the center is to create a welcoming space for open conversation and learning. To learn more, visit beth wright cancer center dot org.
Technology
A I Chatbots May Mislead Millions on Student Loan Advice
(Undated) Changes in federal student loan options in the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” mean even more challenges when it comes to financing college. A I Chatbots like ChatGPT and Perplexity are emerging as increasingly popular sources for financial advice, with nearly half of Americans turning to such tools for money management. Red flags, according to Investors Observer, a trusted market insight source, include oversimplified repayment advice, a lack of personalized, nuanced counsel, quickly evolving policies, and minimal guidance on hardship protections,. leaving borrowers unprepared for financial strain. Experts caution, when A I talks about money, it should never have the last word.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Gateway Milbridge is Finalist in National Grant Competition
(Milbridge) It’s the little town that could. Gateway Milbridge has been selected as a finalist in the Levitt Foundation grant competition. Gateway made the final 100 cut from some 300 applicants nationwide. The Levitt Foundation’s mission is to strengthen communities through free, live music in public spaces. Gateway Milbridge’s application reportedly stood out for its commitment to inclusivity, local pride, and creative placemaking, which the Foundation says aligns perfectly with its vision. … Now, here’s where you come in. Milbridge now enters the voting phase, where community support will determine which finalists receive up to $120K over three years to host a Levitt Music Series. Beginning September 5th and running through September 15th, simply cast your vote online or via text with the word “Milbridge” to the link/phone number you’ll find with this story on our Star 97.7 website. We’ll remind you once voting starts – you know what to do!
https://levitt.org/vote or via text to 877-409-5525
Author Tess Gerritsen to Speak at EPL
(Ellsworth) Tess Gerritsen was trained as a medical doctor, but built a second career as an internationally-known author of such best sellers as The Surgeon – named by Time Magazine as one of the best mystery/thrillers ever written. Her novels are translated into 40 languages, with more than 40 million copies sold around the world. This Thursday, meet the creator of homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles; characters who inspired the hit TV series. Books will be available to purchase, thanks to Union River Book and Toy Company. That’s this Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Ellsworth Public Library. Register at ellsworth library dot net.