Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Camden Man Arrested for Computer Crimes
(Camden) Authorities Thursday arrested a Camden man for Possession of Sexually Explicit Materials. The Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit requested a warrant for 56 yo Thomas Karod, who was taken into custody without incident, with the assistance of the Damariscotta and Camden Police Departments. Bail was set at $500 cash with conditions not to use the internet and not to have contact with children under the age of 18.
MDOL Wins Judgment in Case of Alleged Worker Exploitation
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Labor has won a more than $104K judgment against a company it alleges was exploiting its workers through unpaid wages and tips. The Department says it proved Elfaham and Maine Ride Detailing LLC violated multiple wage and hour laws by failing to pay their employees for the full time they worked and also withheld the employees’ tips paid by customers who used a credit card. Twenty-nine Penobscot County workers were affected. In addition to the wages owed and liquidated damages to the workers, Elfaham and Maine owes Maine DOL more than $35K in penalties.
Felony Cases Skyrocket in Penobscot County
(Bangor) Maine is likely one of the safest states in the country. But officials are warning us not to get complacent. The number of felony cases pending in Penobscot County has more than doubled compared to five years ago. The Bangor Daily News reports county officials are struggling to keep up with the growing number of cases. Pending felony cases were up more than 100 percent from August 8, 2019 to the same date this year, with 769 cases now pending. That’s according to state data. Statewide, felony cases are up 65 percent compared to the same period in 2019.
Local Politics
Lunt to Stay On as Mount Desert Interim Town Manager
(Mount Desert) Mount Desert Town Manager Durlin Lunt announced to the town’s Select Board in February that he would be stepping down this month, after 16 years of serving in that capacity. But, here it is near the end of August, and the town hasn’t yet found a replacement. So, the Mount Desert Islander reports Lunt has agreed to postpone retirement and continue serving as Interim Town Manager, a move the Board readily approved at this week’s meeting. One bright spot for Lunt, a celebration honoring his years of service is still on for this evening from 4 to 6 at The Neighborhood House, which Lunt will no doubt enjoy before heading back to work after Labor Day.
Economy
Portland City Councilors Accept Federal Funding Without Strings Attached
(Portland) When the Portland City Council on Wednesday accepted an $18M federal transportation grant for the Portland International Jetport, rumors and pushback began to fly. That’s because such grants originally came with the stipulation that cities would only get the funds if they agreed to fully cooperate with US Customs and Immigration, or ICE agents – some of whom have reportedly used aggressive, if not shady tactics in deporting hard working citizens and even children in some cases. Portland Mayor Mark Dion last evening held a press conference to clarify no such agreement was made in accepting the funds. He said Maine, along with 19 other states, filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration asking the courts to block the directive, which was temporarily blocked in June. The grant agreement is expected to be made official today. The monies will be used for gate and terminal and other improvements.
Washington County Commissioners Clarify County Budget Woes
(Machias) Citizens of Washington County came from as far away as Danforth to attend last night’s public meeting in Machias. County Commissioners and County Manager Renee Gray were there to be as transparent and forthcoming as possible about the $3M budget shortfall that happened under the previous commissioners and the previous county manager. Though much more complex, the problem in large part came about because of a lack of county auditors, causing audits to fall behind while previous staff and commissioners forged ahead spending money that, in short, simply wasn’t there. Citizens in the packed house included selectmen, public safety officials, and ordinary citizens who largely asked good, but probing questions. The bottom line, on November 4th, they’ll be asked to weigh in on an $11M bond issue over ten years. The Commissioners made clear asking for higher taxes was as onerous to them as to the people, but that in order to keep the County and its services going, was at this point a necessary if painful solution.
Education
Alton Wallace Better Milbridge School Supplies Drive
(Milbridge) As most people know, this spring an accident at sea claimed the life of Milbridge clammer Alton Wallace. Every summer, Alton would purchase and donate a variety of school supplies that were likely needed by the teachers at Milbridge Elementary Schools. This year, Alton’s wife, Allison, has asked Better Milbridge to coordinate a school supplies drive and fundraiser as a way to honor his generous spirit. Drop off boxes are located at Bayside and Four Corners Grocery stores, Camden National Bank, Chipman’s Wharf, Maine’s Best Friend, and the town library in Milbridge. For a list of needed school supplies – new items only, please – visit Better Milbridge on FB.
Environment
Bar Harbor Sustainable Tourism Group Meets
(Bar Harbor) Tourism in Bar Harbor continues to grow, bringing economic flourish – but at what cost to residents and the environment? Members of the town’s Sustainable Tourism Management Task Force met this week for the second time and were introduced to members of a consulting firm that will guide them toward organizing the town’s future. The Mount Desert Islander says J.E. Austin Associates will help the committee shape the town’s approach to tourism management. There are nine phases to the plan presented by the consultants, which will culminate with the release of a draft final report in October 2026.
Grant to Facilitate Removal of Shipwrecks in Maine
(Maine) A $750K grant from Boat US will cover removal costs for four sunken vessels. Jim Britt, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry said the grant is specifically for removal of some of the largest and most expensive derelict vessels in Maine. Vessels to be removed include the 57-foot fishing boat, the Roamer, from the Penobscot River, a 100-foot car ferry at Roque Bluffs State Park that has set rusting for 20 years, the Columbia, a former commercial fishing vessel that ran aground near Bristol, and the Sans Peur in Wiscasset, which sank near the town dock during a blizzard in January 2018. Removal of the vessels is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Health
Northern Light in Damage Control Mode After Ending Talks with Anthem
(Bangor) Northern Light Health wasted no time in going into damage control mode after ending talks with insurance provider Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Less than a week after negotiations between the two broke down, MaineBiz reports the state’s second largest health system updated its agreement with Community Health Options, a nonprofit health insurer. The agreement reportedly includes improved rates and less need for prior approval for in-patient treatment. A press release stated that depending on the plan, there are certain “preferred provider copays and coinsurance”, and savings on certain services for those in Hancock, Washington, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Aroostook, and Somerset Counties.
Infrastructure
Ellsworth Road Work
(Ellsworth) A water main repair job at the end of Foster Street across from Water Street in Ellsworth yesterday turned out to be a complex matter. Crews initially thought just a lane closure would be needed. However, once the full extent of the issue was clear, workers realized full road closures would be necessary. The City now says Foster and Water Streets/Bayside Road will be closed to thru traffic from Washington Street to Beechland Road, beginning at 6 a.m. Monday. The closures will remain in effect until the repairs are completed, which the Public Works Department tells Star 97.7 could take several days. We’ve posted detour information on our Star 97.7 FB page. There may be a temporary disruption in water service Monday on Foster Street.
Versant Planned Power Outage
(Surry) Versant Power customers on Toddy Pond Road (Route 176) in Surry, including side streets, may experience intermittent power outages beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Crews will be replacing equipment and will be working in the area for approximately three hours on the 26th.
Human Interest/Entertainment
City of Ellsworth Craft Fair Fundraiser and Pancake Breakfast
(Ellsworth) Did you miss the Ellsworth Rotary Pancake Breakfast? Are you a fan of Christmas starting early? Do you feel the need to give back? Are you a crafty person with something to sell? The City of Ellsworth has just the thing – a Craft Fair Fundraiser and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, September 27th, from 9 to 3 at the Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School. Proceeds from the vendor table reservations directly support the City of Ellsworth General Assistance Fund, which benefits the Backpacks for Kids and Christmas for Kids programs. Contact the City if you’d like to have a space to sell your wares, and mark your calendars for September 27th!
Carroll Homestead Preservation
(SW Harbor) More than four hundred people joined Friends of Acadia earlier this month to celebrate and support the park during the 36th Annual Benefit. A highlight of the evening was raising more than $200K to help restore the Carroll Homestead. Located within the park in Southwest Harbor, the Carroll Homestead is one of the last remaining, authentic examples of 19th-century life on Mount Desert Island and is a unique educational resource for visitors and local elementary school students. John Carroll built the historic landmark in 1825 and raised a family there with his wife, Rachel, until 1870. Two more generations of Carrolls followed and continued to live in and care for the homestead.
Franklin Savings Bank Steps Up to Sponsor Sheriff’s Charities
(Hancock County) If you’re an ATV enthusiast, be sure to get your pre-registration in for the September 13th Hancock County Sheriff Charities Ride for a Cause! The trail ride kicks off from the Acadia ATV clubhouse on the Washington Junction Road at 8 a.m. Tickets are just $20 and include a fun ride along the Sunrise Trail, with five stops along the way that include carnival games, door prizes, hidden trail prizes, and The Black Sheep Food Truck to keep you fueled along the way. A big thanks to Franklin Savings Bank, who just stepped up as an official Level One sponsor. Best of all, proceeds benefit the Sheriff’s Charities, which include providing hundreds of gifts each Christmas for area kids and seniors. Register at hancock county sheriff charities at g mail dot com.
Blue Hill Fair Kicks Off Next Week
(Blue Hill) The Blue Hill Fair kicks off in less than a week! Starting next Thursday, enjoy the rides, food, games, food, musical acts, livestock, food, and contests such as the skillet toss and demolition derby. Plus, this year’s fair promises some new attractions that make it bigger and better than ever. The Pompeyo Family Dog Show has been added to the lineup – you may have seen them on America’s Got Talent. A tribute to ZZ Top is making a stop on August 31st. The Charlotte’s Web Exhibit with Zuckerman’s Famous Pig is back, and a group of miniature playhouses with which kids can interact include an ice cream shop and a firehouse. The August 28th Opening Day is Dollar Day … just a dollar admission for adults, and a dollar for each mechanical ride from 4 to 10 p.m. And, of course, the fair is always free for children 11 and under.