Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Surry Woman Faces OUI Charges
(Surry) A Surry woman faces OUI charges stemming from a crash on the North Bend Road. The Hancock County Sheriff’s office reports to Star 97.7, 62 yo Melinda Asch was driving shortly after 10 p.m. last Friday when the single vehicle crash happened. Asch was taken into custody and transported to the Hancock County Jail without incident.
Teen Charged in Rangeley Fire Investigation
(Rangeley) A 14 yo boy is charged with setting multiple fires this month. Last Friday, firefighters were called to Pleasant Street in Rangeley to investigate a building that had been ransacked. Authorities say the vacant home, owned by a Massachusetts resident, had been broken into and multiple fires set, all of which had self extinguished. An investigation identified the teen, who was already on supervised release for a prior offense, as a suspect. Authorities learned the boy was also involved in an August 9th fire at the Saddleback View Apartments. The youth was taken into custody this week and transported to the Long Creek Youth Development Center.
MMA/MCHT to Improve Firebreak in Castine
(Castine) Teamwork is the name of the game when it comes to fire safety. Next month, crews from Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Maine Maritime Academy, the Castine Fire Department, and the Maine Forest Service will partner to improve the firebreak between Witherle Woods and the Village of Castine. Passersby on September 13th will likely see about 200 individuals working with hand tools to fell small trees and move brush along the carriage road that runs parallel to the town. The event, expected to last from 9 to 1, is not open to the public, and public entry to the area will be limited to ensure everyone’s safety. The Maine Forest Service will then return to the area to chip all the brush. The public is advised to use caution when in the area.
Local Politics
Beal Resigns as City Council Chair
(Ellsworth) It’s been known for awhile the three incumbents on the Ellsworth City Council whose terms expire this year – Michelle Beal, Tammy Mote, and Jon Stein – weren’t planning to seek reelection. What came as a surprise at Monday night’s Council meeting was Beal’s decision to resign as chairperson, a few months before her term ends. Beal said she felt with discussions of Ellsworth’s growth and future looming large, she wanted someone to lead who would provide continuity after the election. She said she discussed her resignation with City Manager Charlie Pearce ahead of time. Beal will continue to serve as a council member until her term ends this fall and nominated Patrick Lyons to serve as the new chair, a motion that was unanimously approved.
Sullivan Resident to Challenge Susan Collins for Senate Seat
(Sullivan) A U.S. Marine from Downeast Maine has announced plans to challenge Senator Susan Collins for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Graham Platner, a Marine and Army veteran who served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home to Sullivan, says he plans to run a campaign grounded in making Maine more affordable, raising the minimum wage, strengthening unions, and empowering working Mainers. In a video announcing his run, Platner, a Democrat, questions “why the United States can’t have universal healthcare like every other first world country, take care of our veterans when they return, and get back to affordable housing for all.”
Maine Joins States Filing Lawsuit Over Withholding Federal Funds for Crime Victims
(Augusta) Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey and 21 other states’ attorneys general are suing the Trump Administration over the withholding of federal funds needed to help crime victims unless they cooperate with immigration enforcement. Congress enacted the Victims of Crime Act more than four decades ago in order to provide grants for such advocacy services as medical, funeral and burial expenses and lost wages. The suit alleges the Administration’s policy freezes more than $600M in congressionally authorized funds designed to support victims and survivors of crime from states that refuse to support ICE’s efforts to round up and deport immigrants.
Free Speech Legislation
(Augusta) Free speech is a core value of Democracy. Come September 24th, a new law in Maine will guarantee Maine residents have a reasonable opportunity to provide public comment during any regularly scheduled meeting of governing bodies. LD 1091 was sponsored by Republican Representative Benjamin Hymes of Waldo. While the legislation protects the right to be heard, it also allows municipalities to set and enforce time limits, standards of conduct, and other rules to keep meetings orderly and respectful. Learn more at legislature dot maine dot gov.
Trump Says No US Ground Troops in Ukraine
(Washington, DC) President Trump said Tuesday the US will help defend Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russian aggression but will not send ground troops. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt would only say U.S. air support is “an option and possibility”. Trump excused himself toward the end of Monday’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders to call Russian President Vladimir Putin and update him on the peace talks and to propose a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. He did not say whether Putin was amenable to the idea.
Economy
Community Closet 207 Back to School Sale
(Ellsworth) Don’t spend a fortune on those back to school clothes. Vintage is in, and this Saturday, Community Closet 207 in Ellsworth is having a back-to-school sale. From 10 to 1, all kids’ clothes are just a dollar! And the first 25 kids get a FREE backpack. That’s Saturday, August 23rd, from 10 to 1 at Community Closet 207, 330 Water Street in Ellsworth.
2026 State Parks Passes on Sale
(Maine) 2026 Maine State Parks passes are now on sale. The park passes are valid for the rest of 2025 and all of next year, giving you sixteen months of park visits for the cost of twelve! Passes are NOT accepted at National Parks, such as Acadia, and are also not valid at Baxter State Park, the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, Swan Island and a few other places. They’re good for day use only, so camping is not included. Maine residents 65 and older are free. Pick up your pass at any state park. Thanks to Republican Representative Russell White for sharing the information with us.
Former Maine Border Crossing for Sale
(Madawaska) Looking to really get away from it all? A former Maine border crossing is for sale, and bids start at just $25,000. The Bangor Daily News reports the site of Madawaska’s former land port of entry will go up for auction this morning at 9 a.m. The old facility was officially closed last year to make way for a new land point of entry and international bridge. It may take a bit of work to transform the building, which consists of a first floor and a basement and sits on an acre of land. The building is about 5800 square feet and located along the St. John River. More information is available at real estate sales dot gov.
Environment
Maine is America’s Sixth Best for Electric Car Owners
(Undated) When it comes to the best state for electric cars, Vermont ranks at the top, with a score of 82 out of 100, followed by California, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Colorado. No surprise there, but you may be shocked to know Maine ranks sixth of the 50 US states. While Maine’s score was quite a bit lower than the top spot at just under 56, it’s a far cry from New Jersey, which came in last with just 29 points. While New Jersey has the highest number of electric cars per square mile, high traffic congestion and limited charging infrastructure relative to population density resulted in its low standing. Research analysts at Texas Electricity Ratings looked at 13 factors, using data from the Census Bureau, FHA, and others. Maine has the lowest vehicle theft rate in the country and has strong EV infrastructure – note the new chargers at Ellsworth City Hall; however, the number of electric cars in Maine is relatively low, at approximately 527, compared to the national average of 734.
Health
Area Agencies on Aging Support Older Adults and Others
(Maine) Have questions about elder care, individuals with disabilities and their care partners, or institutional services? There are five Area Agencies on Aging in Maine available to answer your questions. Locally, the Eastern Area Agency on Aging serves Hancock, Washington, Penobscot, and Piscataquis Counties. More resources can be found at maine dot gov – search for the Office of Aging and Disability Services.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Hiker Crawls 11 Hours with Loyal Dog After Injury
(Rated Red) Finally, a story that proves once again, dogs are a man’s best friend. Jake Schmitt, a Utah hunting guide, drove out into the mountains one day last month to scout for mule deer. Suddenly, his UTV hit loose dirt and rolled at least 20 times down a steep embankment, leaving Jake with a broken leg, ankles, ribs, and a dislocated shoulder – no phone or food, and miles of harsh terrain between him and civilization. But he had one lifesaving asset – his dog, Buddy. Using scraps from the wreck and duct tape, Jake splinted his leg and began to crawl – eleven hours … through darkness, creeks, and rocky trails, Buddy never leaving his side. When Jake passed out, the short-haired pointer nudged him awake. Buddy’s LED collar provided a bit of light, and the dog let Jake rest his leg on his back for those water crossings. By sunrise, Rated Red reports Jake had dragged himself five miles out of the mountains, making it to town and a hospital, where doctors put a rod and screws in his leg and used over 100 staples to close his wounds. Schmitt still plans to guide hunts this fall; and Buddy, his life-saving hero, has been promised T-bone steaks for life.
Weighing the Risk
(Vernon, CT) If ever there was motivation to lose weight, it’s this next story. Or at least, if you’re a bit heavy, avoid the playground. Last week, the fire department in Vernon, Connecticut was called to an elementary school on a report of a 40 yo man stuck in a tube slide. Local station Eyewitness Three reports the man was wedged in the middle portion of the slide; the hot temperatures, making it extremely uncomfortable. Authorities gave the man oxygen, and ventilation was set up to help cool the space where the victim was stuck. It took about 30 minutes to free the man, who was evaluated but refused treatment.
Maine Ranks High in Women’s Equality
(Maine) When it comes to women’s equality, Maine outshines all but three other states and boasts one of the smallest income gaps. That’s according to personal finance website Wallet Hub. Researchers compared the 50 states in terms of workplace environment, education and health, and political empowerment. The ranking won’t surprise anyone who lives here. The Pine Tree State boasts brave women manning lobster boats, chopping and stacking wood (think Timber Tina and her gals), and working alongside men to build roads and bridges. MaineBiz reports Hawaii leads the pack at No. 1, followed by Nevada, Maryland, and Oregon to round out the top five. As far as the income gap, Maine was third behind only California and Vermont.