Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Video Gaming Leads to Trenton Well-Being Check
(Trenton) Law enforcement officials never know what they’ll encounter on traffic stops, while delivering warrants, even well-being checks. Recently, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department was asked to conduct a well being check in Trenton after nearby residents heard loud yelling coming from a nearby home. Officer Maria Gionfriddo reports she arrived to indeed hear shouts coming from an open window, but the yelling was simply the result of a group of young men playing video games.
Wardens Rescue Man Who Fell Off Ledge
(Grafton Township) Game Wardens yesterday afternoon responded to Screw Auger Falls in Grafton Township after they say 21 yo Brexton Getchell of Unity fell some 30 feet from a ledge in the area of the waterfall. Getchell landed in the water and sustained serious injuries. Challenging terrain in the gorge meant rescuers had to carry Getchell about 300 feet downstream in order to safely extricate him, where he was taken by LifeFlight helicopter to Maine Medical.
Maine Forest Rangers Battle Multiple Wildfires
(Maine) With the continued dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Maine Forest Rangers have been busy battling wildfires across the state this week. Crews Wednesday battled nearly a dozen small blazes in Clinton, Millinocket, Lincoln, and elsewhere. Additionally, rangers and firefighters continue working on ongoing blazes, including one in Baileyville that has now been held to 30 acres and as of yesterday was 80% contained.
Stonington Incident Leads to Charges of Leaving the Scene
(Stonington) A 79 yo Stonington man faces a couple of charges after allegedly leaving the scene of an accident in Stonington on Tuesday. While a second party apparently remained at the scene, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports to Star 97.7, Lindsay Bowker left after the incident. He’s charged with leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident.
Ellsworth Woman Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearms
(Ellsworth) An Ellsworth woman faces charges related to illegal possession of firearms following a traffic stop in Trenton. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Star 97.7, officers were conducting a traffic stop on the Oak Point Road on August 8th. During one stop, firearms were located inside a vehicle. As a result, 30 yo Karissa Beam was arrested for felony possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. She was placed on probation hold and taken to the Hancock County Jail without incident.
Veazie Fire
(Veazie) A fire in Veazie Tuesday brought firefighters from Bangor, Brewer, Orono, The Air National Guard, and nine other departments, along with police and Northern Light EMS, to a structure fire on Thompson Road. Veazie Police and Fire arrived to find a two-story, 20-unit apartment building fully engulfed. A swift and coordinated response enabled crews to contain the fire to four apartments, though neighboring units sustained smoke and water damage. One occupant was taken to Northern Light EMMC for treatment of second degree burns, and two pets are feared lost. More than a dozen firefighters were treated on-scene for heat-related illnesses. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire began on an outside porch due to improper disposal of smoking materials.
(Veazie) Firefighters battled blazing temperatures, along with a blazing fire in Veazie Tuesday. Veazie Police and Fire were called to a structure fire on Thompson Road shortly after 3 p.m. and found a two-story, 20-unit apartment building fully engulfed. A third alarm was requested, prompting a mutual aid response from a dozen nearby towns, the Air National Guard, and Northern Light EMS. Crews worked swiftly and were able to contain the fire to four apartments, though neighboring units suffered smoke and water damage. One person was treated for second degree burns, and more than a dozen firefighters were treated on-scene for heat-related illnesses. Investigators believe the fire began on a porch and was the result of smoking materials that were disposed of improperly. The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents.
Local Politics
Court Upholds Bar Harbor Cruise Ship Disembarkation Limits
(Bar Harbor) The US Court of Appeals has handed down its ruling on the challenge to the 1,000 per day cap on cruise ship disembarkations in Bar Harbor. The cap, approved by voters, was challenged by business groups in Bar Harbor. The Mount Desert Islander reports the only portion of the ruling that gave the judges pause regarded the argument the disembarkation ordinance violated a clause of the US Constitution that placed excessive burden on the flow of interstate commerce intended by putting the cap in place. Experts say anyone hoping the federal court’s decision would be the end of the matter is likely going to be disappointed.
White House Plans Aggressive Review of Smithsonian Museums
(Washington, DC) The Trump Administration has announced an aggressive review of Smithsonian museums. Officials plan to scrutinize museum text, curation and exhibition planning. The critique will begin with eight museums, including the National Museums of American History, Natural History, and African-American History and Culture and the National Portrait Gallery, among others. Critics say it could be an effort to hide uglier parts of U.S. History.
Economy
ANP Sets Visitation Record
(ANP) Acadia National Park in July set an all time record for number of visits to the park. Tourism industry officials say dry weather could be a factor in drawing people to the trails and other amenities. National Park Service data puts the number of visits last month at 797,000, surpassing the previous record of 795,500 set in August of 2021.
Gross National Debt
(Washington, DC) The U.S. government’s gross national debt has surpassed $37 trillion, a record number that emphasizes the growing debt on the country’s balance sheet and increased cost pressures on U.S. taxpayers. The Associated Press reports the $37 trillion update is part of the latest Treasury Department report issued this week. The report logs the nation’s daily finances.
Nominations Open for Bar Harbor Annual Dinner Awards
(Bar Harbor) Nominations are officially open for the Bar Harbor Annual Dinner Awards! Whether a business with outstanding service, a new venture making waves, a local leader protecting the environment, Bar Harbor wants to help them shine. Nominate your pick in one of five categories – Cadillac Award, Business of the Year, Neighboring Business, Rising Star, or Community Impact Award. Get your nominations in by next Friday, August 22nd. You can also upload an optional letter of support to strengthen your nomination. Learn more about each award and submit your nomination at visit bar harbor dot com.
Wallet Hub Ranks Maine Near Top of “Best Places to Live”
(Maine) Wallet Hub ranks Maine No. 13 on its list of “best places to live”. The personal finance site looked at more than 50 key metrics, including housing costs, income growth, the education rate, and quality of hospitals and healthcare. Maine placed No. 8 for economy, tenth for safety, and 11th for both education and health. The lowest rank was for affordability at number 35. Massachusetts with its strong health care system topped the list at number one overall. New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island all placed in the top half of states. The overall worst state according to WalletHub’s rankings was New Mexico, coming in at number 50.
Environment
Air Quality Forecast Urged Caution for ANP Hikers
(ANP) If you hiked any of the higher elevation trails at Acadia National Park yesterday, you may have noticed change was in the air – and not for good Ground level ozone readings on McFarland’s Hill and Cadillac reached unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, prompting the park to issue an advisory recommending the very young, older folks, and those with respiratory or other health issues avoid prolonged or strenuous activity, particularly in the areas. The Air Quality Hotline is updated regularly and can be reached by calling 1-800-223-1196
Shaw Institute Advances Sustainability Initiatives
(Blue Hill) The Shaw Institute in Blue Hill is on the front lines when it comes to reducing packaging and other plastic-based waste. The Institute is an early adopter of a device known as a Clear Drop Soft Plastic Compactor, or SPC, in their laboratory operations. Much of the Institute’s instruments and other materials come packaged in soft plastic that would ordinarily end up in the trash. The SPC will be used to collect the material and allow it to be recycled for the first time instead of ending up in a landfill. The symbiotic relationship has Clear Drop supporting the Shaw Institute’s ongoing research on how plastic contaminants impact human health, including diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and others.
Environmental Workers Dealing with Federal Funding Changes
(Orland) A University of Maine initiative was exploring ways to bring renewable energy to indigenous and rural communities this spring, when their momentum was squelched by the Trump Administration’s cancellation of a million dollar federal grant. The Maine Monitor reports the EPA Award is one of dozens of federal grants to Maine research institutions that have been cancelled or paused as the Trump administration cracks down on what it calls wasteful spending. The cuts target environmental justice initiatives and climate change research, among others. The Maine Monitor says the EPA did not respond to its request for comment.
Human Interest/Entertainment
HC Sheriff Charities Ride for a Cause
(Ellsworth) Pre-registration is now open for the September 13th Sheriff’s Charities of Hancock County Carnival & ATV Ride! The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department says you won’t want to miss this one! The Trail Ride begins at 8 a.m., and tickets are just $20 for a full day of fun. Cash prizes for first, second, and third places, carnival games at all five stops, door prizes, hidden trail prizes and more. The Black Sheep Food Truck will keep you fueled along the way. And it’s all in support of a great cause! Among other good deeds, the Sheriff’s Charities provide hundreds of gifts each Christmas to kids and seniors in need. Email hancock county sheriff charities at gmail dot com to get your registration in today!
Sasquatch Calling Contest
(Glenburn) A Glenburn convenience store is having an unusual contest later this month. They’re looking for Sasquatch callers. Tocci’s Checkout Convenient Store says calling begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 30th, and there’s a $100 cash prize for the best caller, plus other prizes and giveaways. Let’s hope no one’s good enough to get a response!
Thomas Fernald Passes Away
(SW Harbor) Our hearts go out to the family and local community on the loss of Thomas Fernald, who passed away earlier this month. Thomas was born in Bar Harbor and was a lifelong “native” of MDI, who loved skiing, boating, and traveling with his wife, Carroll. A partner in Jordan-Fernald and A.C. Fernald Sons, he was a practicing funeral director for 45 years. Friends are invited to call today from 3 to 6 at Jordan Fernald on Main Street in Somesville, with services set for Friday in Northeast Harbor. Fernald was 79.
Bangor Symphony Receives Support from Versant
(Bangor) Versant Power this week helped create some beautiful music when they presented the Bangor Symphony Orchestra with a gift of $5,000 to continue their Music and Wellness Program. Since 2013, the symphony’s talented musicians have brought hope and joy to local cancer patients by visiting them in hospitals. Currently, the group visits St. Joseph’s Hospital weekly to lighten the burdens of patients and caregivers there. .
Dog Days of Summer Event at Franklin Savings Bank
(Ellsworth) This coming Monday, it’s the Dog Days of Summer at Franklin Savings Bank in Ellsworth! Join them anytime between 9 and 4 on August 18th for some tail-wagging fun! “Woof” down some treats from the Darling’s Ice Cream truck from Noon until 2, with all donations benefiting the SPCA of Hancock County. Plus, Franklin Savings Bank will MATCH all donations up to a thousand dollars. Now, you’re barking up the right tree – the Dog Days of Summer at Franklin Savings Bank in Ellsworth Monday, benefitting the SPCA of Hancock County. (((SFX: “Woof!”)))