Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Maine Forest Service Urges Caution as Wildfire Danger Remains High
(Augusta) With wildfire danger at levels considered high to very high statewide, the Maine Forest Service is urging all residents and visitors to take immediate precautions. Much of central and coastal Maine, they say, is at Very High fire danger. Just between August 1st and today, MFS reports there have been 124 fires, with close to 71 acres burned – 70 of those fires just in the last week. Leading causes of wildfires include campfire-related incidents, debris and open burning, and equipment malfunctions. MFS has enacted a burn permit moratorium to reduce risk.
(Augusta) A burn permit moratorium is now in effect across Maine, due to the dry conditions and ongoing wildfire danger. The Maine Forest Service reports crews have battled 124 fires this month alone, with close to 71 acres burned; 32 of those fires just in the last three days. MFS reports most fires have been kept small, with the exception of the Track Road Fire in Baileyville which has been mostly contained after multiple days, but which burned at least 30 acres. Much of central and coastal Maine are at Very High danger levels. The Forest Service is asking ATV riders to be especially diligent in looking out for and reporting wildfires.
Storms Tear Through Washington County, Toppling Trees and Power Lines
(Calais) Powerful storms tore through parts of Washington County last evening, leaving toppled trees and power lines and some 1700 Versant customers without power. The storm cell began moving through the Calais-Princeton area shortly before 5 p.m., and at least one lightning strike was confirmed. Firefighters were called to a wildfire near the Baring/Meddybemps town line; that fire possibly also the result of a lightning strike. Power was expected to be restored by late last night.
Stolen SNAP Benefits
(Augusta) Some $76,000 in SNAP benefits were recently stolen from EBT cardholders in Maine. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services tells WMTW about 300 Maine households have been affected so far; but that reach could grow, as the fraudulent activity was ongoing as of Friday. Officials say the SNAP benefits are being stolen through illegal point-of-sale devices registered in New York and other states, where recipients have also been impacted. SNAP benefits help low-income families afford food by supplementing their monthly grocery budget. Current EBT cardholders are encouraged to take steps to protect their accounts, including changing their PIN and regularly reviewing their account to quickly spot suspicious activity.
Child Abuse Investigation Leads to Domestic Violence Arrest
(Dexter) When a seriously injured seven month old infant ended up in a hospital earlier this month, caregivers immediately suspected abuse and called Dexter Police. They, in turn, requested the assistance of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit and DHHS. That was on August 7th. Six days later, this past Wednesday, authorities arrested the tiny victim’s father, 23 yo Kolby Drake, on charges of Aggravated Assault, Assault, and Domestic Violence Assault. Drake was booked at the Penobscot County Jail and was expected to make an initial court appearance today. No word yet on the current condition of the victim, but anyone who is a victim of or who suspects a victim of a crime related to domestic abuse is encouraged to call the DV helpline at 866-834-HELP.
Elevated Bacterial Levels Prompt Warnings at Maine Beaches
(Camden) The recent heat wave may have folks thinking of a dip at the lake or ocean, but officials warn that’s not a good idea in some places. And not just because of recent Great White Shark sightings in Scarborough and elsewhere along the Maine Coast. NewsCenter Maine reports The Maine Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday was warning of elevated levels of bacteria at beaches in Ogunquit, Scarborough, Camden, and Kennebunkport, and advised against water contact. The bacteria in question is generally not considered harmful to humans, but can indicate the presence of other viruses and bacteria in the bodies of water affected.
Local Politics
Clinics Sue Trump Administration Over Cuts
(Maine) A network of clinics that provides critical healthcare in Maine was in court Thursday to ask a judge to restore its Medicaid funding while it fights a Trump Administration effort to keep federal money from going to abortion providers. The Bangor Daily News reports the President’s so-called “one big beautiful bill” blocked Medicaid money from Planned Parenthood, which also provides birth control, cancer screenings, counseling and prenatal care to some 8,000 patients in Maine. Last month, Maine Family Planning filed a federal lawsuit seeking to restore Medicaid reimbursements.
Economy
Developer Proposes Condo Project in Belfast
(Belfast) One of the largest new housing projects in the region could soon begin going up in Belfast. The Bangor Daily News reports developer Benjamin Hooper is proposing a 200-unit condominium complex in duplex and quadplex buildings. The condos would be built on 35 acres off Priscilla Lane, about a mile south of downtown, and would take several years to build. The proposed project is one of several in Belfast with an eye toward addressing the statewide housing crisis. Another new development recently brought 48 units of affordable housing, another in the works along Route 3, would bring 60 more, and a 24-unit affordable senior housing complex is also in the works on School Street.
MDI Give and Take Produce
(MDI) If you live on MDI, you may be aware of the Give-and-Take Produce exchange. If you or someone you know has extra fruits, veggies or eggs from your garden or farm that you don’t want to see go to waste, stop by the community-driven produce trailer managed by Healthy Acadia’s Downeast Gleaning Initiative. Drop off what you DON’T need, and take what you DO if you’re in need. The Give-and-Take Produce exchange is located at the Peggy Rockefeller Farm in Bar Harbor.
Education
HCTC 17th on Priority List for School Construction
(Ellsworth) Hancock County Technical Center is ranked 17th on a priority list for school construction programs. That was the word from Superintendent Amy Boles at this week’s School Board meeting. The Ellsworth American reports the designation amplifies uncertainty about possibly receiving funds from the state. Boles told the Board she traveled to Augusta to make a case for the center being a higher priority, saying, “I fought very vehemently with the committee that career and technical schools do not necessarily fit into the round peg they have for other schools … but are (instead) dramatically different.” Boles said she will begin the appeal process; the department has 60 days to respond to the appeal.
Ellsworth Schools Projects
(Ellsworth) When students return to school in Ellsworth in two weeks, they’ll find some shiny new upgrades across the district’s buildings. The Ellsworth American reports at HCTC, the revolving renovation project is continuing with the installation of new fire alarms, a new sprinkler, and a new elevator. At Ellsworth High School, all the windows have been replaced, skylight work is continuing to replace the roof and prevent leakage, and plans are in the works to upgrade the lobby bathrooms and for new energy efficient lights in the auditorium. And at the Elementary-Middle School, workers are in the process of replacing the geothermal heat pump that had failed and work has begun on the track, with equipment for new lights on the way.
Environment
Gotts Island Cleanup
(Gotts Island) You might call it an overnight success. Over weekend, anyway. The Mount Desert Islander reports the community of Gotts Island partnered with a team from the Bass Harbor-based nonprofit Clean Maine Shores this past weekend to remove more than 110 large bags of trash and debris from its shoreline. CMS members spent the night Friday and hit the ground running – or rather, removing debris that had been piling up for the past two years. It was the first large-scale cleanup effort since the storms of January 2024 left debris littering Maine’s coastline. CMS founder Scott Grierson and his wife Rina say they received overwhelming support from community members to help rid the island of broken lobster traps, ropes, antennas, foam pieces and more. When all was said and done, the debris pile stood at over seven feet high. Anyone interested in other cleanup projects can contact clean maine shores dot org.
Island-Based Company’s Goal is Building Affordable, Sustainable Homes
(MDI) Sustainable and affordable – in today’s market, the two don’t always play well together. But the Mount Desert Islander reports an island-based company launched last week is working to change that. Zero Energy Homes has been years in the making, with Founder Caroline Pryor working to address the housing crisis facing MDI and the state at large by building energy efficient homes available for people who earn roughly 80% of area median income. Pryor, who has lived on MDI for 45 years, says initial response has been positive. Zero Energy Homes’s first demo home, a two-bedroom, one bath home in Searsport, listed for $275,000, with a $25K homebuyers’ assistance grant available for the property. Interested buyers can fill out an interest form on the company’s website.
Health
Blueberry Health
(Maine) The Machias Blueberry Festival kicks off today. The entire month has been all about the tiny but nutrient packed berry for which Maine is famous. Shannon Cherry with Maine SNAP-Ed tells Star 97.7, blueberries are rich in antioxidants – more so than any other fruit or vegetable. That means they help combat oxidative stress linked to aging and chronic diseases. Cherry says blueberries are heart friendly, have probiotic qualities for gut health, boost brain health, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are blood sugar friendly. And she says when you choose wild blueberries, you’re not just nourishing your body, but also supporting sustainable agriculture and local Maine farmers! Go blue!
Human Interest/Entertainment
Trenton Volunteer Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
(Trenton) Pass the syrup … and learn to PASS a fire extinguisher! Chances are, you have a fire extinguisher at your home or place of business. But in the case of an emergency when seconds count and you feel panicked, would you know how to USE it well enough to act quickly? The Trenton Volunteer Fire Department is offering fire extinguisher training tomorrow morning at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 using the PASS method – an easy-to-remember acronym for the steps to take in using the device. Best of all, the TVFD Pancake Breakfast is back and better than ever, along with that training. Enjoy a delicious stack of your favorites, serving from 6 to 10 tomorrow, 59 Oak Point Road in Trenton.
Dog Missing During Home Invasion Safely Back Home
(Glenburn) A heartwarming story to end your week. Last week, we told you about an August 3rd shooting incident involving suspects and police in Glenburn. During the incident, one of the alleged perps fled; and in an attempt to hide, broke into a home in Glenburn. The owners weren’t home at the time, but their beloved nine-year-old mastiff Rosie WAS. During the confusion, the friendly but timid pup escaped, and the family returned home to find their beloved Rosie gone. After several days on the run and with a relentless search by family, friends and the community, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office reports Rosie is now back home – a few pounds thinner, but in overall good condition. Happy ending!
City of Ellsworth Accepting Sign-Ups for Craft and Vendor Fair Fundraiser
(Ellsworth) The City of Ellsworth is accepting sign-ups for the Craft & Vendor Fair Fundraiser happening on Saturday, September 27th, from 9 to 3 at the Ellsworth Elementary Middle School. Proceeds from vendor table reservations directly support the Backpacks for Kids and Christmas for Kids funds. Sign up is available only on the city’s website, ellsworth maine dot gov, or by calling Ebony at the City Clerk’s office.