Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Sullivan Man Faces OUI Charges After Crash
(Sullivan) A Sullivan man faces OUI charges following a single vehicle rollover crash with injuries that happened on Route One in Sullivan early Wednesday morning. The Hancock County Sheriff’s office reports to Star 97.7 the crash occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. As a result of an ensuing investigation, 46 yo Norman Bamford was arrested and taken to the Hancock County Jail.
UMaine Posts Emergency Alert
(Orono) The University of Maine last evening posted an emergency alert on their website saying police were investigating a situation near the Orono/Old Town line on Route 2. The alert was issued at 4:57 p.m. and said the situation occurred at the dirt turn around near the intersection of Dufour Lane and Main/Park Streets. People were urged to avoid the area. UMaine announced about an hour later that police had cleared the incident and the area was safe to the public. No further details were given.
Maine Beaches Prepare for Impact of Hurricane Erin
(Scarborough) Lifeguards at beaches across southern Maine are bracing for a stretch of dangerous weather as Hurricane Erin pushes powerful surf and rip currents toward the region, beginning as early as tonight. NewsCenter Maine reports models are showing waves as high as about 10 feet are expected to reach the Gulf of Maine, with the largest waves anticipated on Saturday before the storm clears out on Monday. New Jersey’s governor is urging people to stay out of the water, and evacuation orders are in place in parts of North Carolina. Southern Maine may limit beach access or close beaches altogether should conditions continue to worsen.
Local Politics
Falmouth Businessman Joins Crowded Race for Governor
(Falmouth) A Falmouth businessman has joined an already crowded field of candidates vying to replace Governor Janet Mills, who is term-limited and cannot run again. Republican David Jones owns F. O. Bailey, and has been involved in both real estate and construction for decades. Jones is allying himself with President Donald Trump. He hosts conservative radio shows on a Portland news talk station.
Public Comment Period on Citizens’ Guide Ends Tuesday
(Augusta) Each year prior to such an election, the office of the Maine Secretary of State publishes a Citizens’ Guide to the Referendum Election. Any individual, corporation, Political Action Committee or other organization may comment in support of or opposition to a ballot measure for publication in the guide. This fall, voters will decide on two citizen initiatives – one involving access to voting, including prohibiting requests for absentee ballots by phone or family members, limiting the number of drop boxes, and requiring voters to show photo ID before voting. The second initiative involves the so-called red flag law that regulates gun possession by those deemed a danger to themselves or others. Deadline for submitting comments for this year’s guide is Tuesday, August 26th.
Economy
Main Street America Visits Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Main Street America accredits hundreds of organizations across the US, including eleven cities in Maine, even as 21 others across the state are working toward such accreditation. NewsCenter Maine reports representatives of Main Street America were in Ellsworth, one of the most recent cities to achieve accreditation, last month. Heart of Ellsworth Director Cara Romano told the visitors the city has always been known as a sort of gateway community to Acadia National Park, but today likes to think of itself as a destination. The Main Downtown Center, an arm of the Maine Development Foundation, works with organizations such as Heart of Ellsworth to secure grants. They say for every one dollar invested in each of the downtowns, the towns see a $23 return. The process of becoming a Main Street America accredited town was more than five years in the making, but will benefit Ellsworth for decades to come.
Pour it Forward to Benefit Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
(Bar Harbor) Yesterday we shared about the devastating cuts in federal programs that have cut into programs providing much needed staples for those facing food insecurity. Tonight, community members will come together to “Pour it Forward” for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth. The fundraiser at the Bar Harbor Cellars Winery on Route 3 begins at 6 p.m and is a mini-gala celebration, according to pantry Vice President Max Dietsche. The event is generously supported by Franklin Savings Bank and the pantry’s Board of Trustees. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at loaves and fishes ellsworth dot org.
Amazon Seeks Second Location in Maine
(Gorham) Last month, retail giant Amazon opened a delivery station in Caribou, a first for Maine. Now, the Portland Press Herald reports Amazon is one step closer to establishing a foothold in southern Maine. The Gorham Town Council this week approved the sale of a 94 acre parcel off Main Street. The sale is not final, nor has Amazon submitted a specific plan for what it would do with the parcel. The facility will require Planning Board approval before it can be built. Amazon reportedly plans to eventually invest $4B in rural delivery stations, according to its website.
Online Auction to Benefit Surry Backpack Program
(Surry) The Surry Children’s Backpack Food Program was started in 2017 to support Surry Elementary School students and their siblings in closing the nutrition gaps on weekends, during school breaks, and in summer. To support the program, Savor Maine is offering an online auction of local experiences, dining, arts, and more. Registration to bid on more than 55 items and experiences donated by businesses and individuals opens August 28th and runs to September 7th. The value of items ranges from $18 to a $4,000 greenhouse donated by Surry Village Homes. We’ve posted the link to bid on items – beginning a week from today – with this story on our Star 97.7 website.
www.auctria.com/auction/savormaine
Woodlawn Hires New Executive Director
(Ellsworth) Woodlawn in Ellsworth has hired a new Executive Director. The non-profit received more than 40 applications. Last week, the Board, along with City leaders, met with finalist Dr. Meghan Dougherty to share about the perks of living and working in Ellsworth and extend an offer to Dougherty to be a part of the City’s past through the Black House and the future through the many programs offered at the Barn, on the trails and grounds. Dougherty grew up north of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, attended the University of Chicago, completed grad school in Kentucky, and earned a PhD in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She lived in the Midwest until 2022, when she returned to New England to oversee the Museum of the White Mountains at Plymouth State University. A published author, she brings extensive experience as a museum curator, Associate Professor, and expert in Art History. Welcome, Meghan!
Education
Organizations to Preview Programs for Homeschoolers
(Ellsworth) Are you a homeschool parent or caregiver? If so, put next Tuesday, August 26th on your calendar and head to Woodlawn in Ellsworth. You’ll find 20-plus local organizations at the Barn at Woodlawn that day; all of them excited to talk with you about opportunities they offer home school students. The Grand, the Downeast Family YMCA, The Oceanarium and Education Center, the Challenger Learning Center and more …they’ll all be there from 1 to 3 to welcome you with information and ideas to help you and your child thrive this school year. Contact Kelly at woodlawn if you’d like to know more!
Thomas College Raises Funds to Benefit College Bound Maine Students
(Waterville) Thomas College in Waterville says it has raised more than $3M over the last year and a half for a scholarship fund named for former President Laurie LaChance. MaineBiz reports the monies are designed to boost college access and affordability, particularly for first-generation college students. The fund was launched with a million dollar donation from Peter and Paula Lunder. Thomas College is ranked 17th among Maine’s largest colleges and universities in the 2025 Mainebiz Book of Lists. The college recently graduated its largest ever class, 40% of whom identify as first generation college students, 75% of whom graduated with honors, and 75% of whom say they plan to stay in Maine after completing their degree.
Environment
UMaine Tick Lab ID’s State’s First Asian Longhorned Tick
(Orono) As if there’s not already a problem with ticks here in Maine, researchers at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Lab have identified a new species of tick here in the state. The Asian longhorned tick was first detected in the U.S. in 2017. The invasive species can reproduce without mating and is known to feed on livestock, pets, wildlife and people. Ongoing research will reveal whether the species can spread the pathogens found in Maine and elsewhere in the U.S. Tick Lab Director Griffin Dill tells Star 97.7, the discovery underscores the need for using tick preventatives, maintaining brush free yards, and continued tick surveillance here in Maine. If you suspect an unusual tick or infestation, you’re urged to report it to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.
Health
Convenient MD in Bangor to Remain In Network with Anthem
(Bangor) Although Northern Light this week ended contract negotiations with Anthem, the insurance giant says Convenient MD’s new primary care clinic in Bangor will still be in network. A spokesperson for Convenient MD told MainePublic they decided to expand after hearing from urgent care patients who say they have to wait months for primary care appointments. The company, which currently has 11 locations in Maine, plans to have five primary providers in the Bangor location and says they’re already looking to expand further. They say they hope such plans encourage Northern Light to return to the bargaining table. Northern Light reportedly had no comment, but acknowledged in a written statement the importance of having access to healthcare close to home.
Infrastructure
Roque Bluffs Installs New Sign
(Roque Bluffs) It’s a sign of the times – the next time you drive through Roque Bluffs, you’ll be welcomed with a new township sign. Established way back in 1891, the township this week installed the much-needed new signage. Residents say it took years of collaboration with everyone to make it happen.
Human Interest/Entertainment
The Voice Downeast Helps Fight Domestic Violence
(Trenton) Love to sing? Here’s your chance to show off your talent and raise your voice to help end domestic violence in Maine. It’s Season Two of The Voice Downeast, October 23rd at Big Cats Catering in Trenton. Audition to be one of the final eight! Send a one-minute video to k brown at next step d v project dot org and include permission to use your video on social and promotional materials. The Top eight will move on to compete live at the October event, where you’ll enjoy the show, a free meal, a chance to win prizes and a cash bar. Come be in the audience and help choose the finalist – tickets at the link posted with this story on our website!
www.nextstepdvproject.org/events
Abbe Museum to Open on Saturdays Next Year
(Bar Harbor) The Abbe Museum is adding extra days to the calendar next year. Beginning in 2026, the host center of Wabanaki and other native cultures will be open Mondays through Saturdays. As a preview, the museum will be open the last Saturday of August and the last Saturday of September this year. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members get in free. The museum is open May to October, but welcomes schools and other groups who submit requests for tours all year long. Visit abbe museum dot org to learn more.