Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Man on Disorderly Charges
(Gouldsboro) The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department was called to Route One in Gouldsboro over the weekend on a report of a man obstructing the roadway and acting in a disorderly manner. Authorities arrived in the 300 block of Route One shortly before 1:30 Saturday afternoon and warned 41 yo Douglas Julius about his actions. A short time later, Julius, a transient from New York, was found to be trespassing on a nearby property and was arrested for disorderly conduct and refusing to submit to arrest. He was taken to the Hancock County Jail without further incident. Deputies were assisted by the Maine Marine Patrol, Maine Forest Service, and the Sullivan Fire Department.
Disturbance in Machias Leads to Arrest of Three on Drug Charges
(Machias) A reported disturbance on Pleasant Street in Machias led to the arrest of three men on drug charges Friday. The Machias Police Department reports to Star 977, shortly after noon on September 12th, they investigated and found an altercation had occurred, with two people taken to Downeast Community Hospital for cuts and bruises. A third suspect had fled the scene but was quickly located. Authorities obtained a search warrant and found suspected cocaine/fentanyl and crack cocaine at the Pleasant Street address. 59 yo Gregory Antil of Machias, 39 yo David Lawless of Baring, ME, and a 27 yo Massachusetts man were arrested and taken to the Washington County Jail. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department assisted.
Katahdin Sign Vandalized
(Baxter State Park) Officials at Baxter State Park are still hoping to find the person or persons who vandalized the iconic sign atop Mount Katahdin. Sometime on September 11th, the initials “H.M.” and “J.M.” were carved into the wooden sign, which marks the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The original sign was installed in August 1933 by legendary chairman of the Appalachian Trail Conference Myron Avery, but has been replaced several times over the years. In 2024, a person used magic marker to deface a blue trail marker on the way to the summit and bragged about it on FB. Anyone with information about the most recent vandalism is asked to call park headquarters.
Handler of Maine’s First Comfort Dog Faces Animal Cruelty Charge
(Augusta) Baxter, a three year old chocolate lab, was the state’s first comfort dog, hired to bring solace to Maine’s first responders. He died May 28th in an overheated state vehicle left outside the Bangor Regional Communications Center on a warm day. The vehicle was left running, but reportedly malfunctioned, causing the air conditioning system to fail. Now, the Maine Department of Public Safety reports Baxter’s handler, Brodie Hinckley, has been charged in the dog’s death. An investigation into Baxter’s death by independent agencies led the Penobscot County District Attorney to issue a civil summons to Hinckley for animal cruelty. Hinckley is on administrative leave as Maine’s Emergency Communications Director. A court date is set for November 6th.
AI the Latest Problem Facing Law Enforcement
(Maine) A man from Maine went to a local children’s soccer game, then went home and used Artificial Intelligence to take otherwise innocent pictures and make them sexually explicit. The Bangor Daily News reports police know who he is, but there’s nothing they can do because the images are legal to have under state law, according to officials at the Maine Computer Crimes Unit. Child sexual abuse material has been illegal for decades; but the explosion of generative AI has meant Maine’s definition of those images has lagged behind other states. Across the country, 43 states have created laws outlawing sexual deepfakes and an additional 28 have banned the creation of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The Maine Legislature is reportedly looking at the issue, but lawmakers say they’re being cautious about concerns regarding how proposed legislation could cause constitutional issues.
Fire Destroys Sweetgrass Winery in Union
(Union) About a dozen units battled a Monday morning structure fire at Sweetgrass Winery and Distillery in Union. The Pen Bay Pilot reports the Carroll Road building is a complete loss. While the fire was called in shortly after 2 a.m., crews arrived on the scene to find the building fully engulfed, indicating it had probably burned for awhile before being discovered. A powerline in front of the winery had burned off with a live wire remaining; and while crews could walk in front of the building, neither trucks nor water supply could pull up close. A metal roof on the winery collapsed, meaning many areas were inaccessible for crews to extinguish flames until an excavator arrived to push aside the hot metal. Crews did work to protect a small barn and house next to the winery.
Learning Campus Goes Into Lockdown
(Sullivan) A threat directed at the Charles M. Sumner Learning Center in Sullivan Monday morning was quickly deemed not credible. The school’s website says administrators were made aware of the threat about 10:40 a.m. and the school went into lockdown. Maine State Police and local authorities responded and the school day resumed shortly after, according to the school website.
Local Politics
Washington County Budget Meeting
(Machias) Washington County residents packed the house last Thursday to air concerns about taxes being raised to pay for an $11M bond issue that will be on the November ballot. We’ve shared details in the past. For a period of five years, shortfalls were created when the county did not tax municipalities enough. A series of missteps and perhaps lack of attention to detail by former administration members, along with an extreme shortage of county auditors (which require a specific skill) left the current County Manager and Commissioners with a budget deficit. A major point of confusion appeared to be that those in the audience heard a “40% tax increase” and seemed to think that was across the board. But the 40% increase is ONLY on the county tax paid – a very small percentage, especially compared to the rate set by municipalities and considering the services those taxes pay for – law enforcement, the County jail, and the 9-1-1 call center, to name a few. While state law dictates the County cannot shut down if the measure doesn’t pass, the County’s 110 or so employees won’t … indeed, CAN’T … work for nothing. The newly elected Budget Committee plans to hold their first meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m., and those who still have questions are encouraged to attend.
Local Researchers Scramble to Rewrite Grant Proposals
(Maine) It hasn’t been easy for local researchers, scrambling to rewrite grant proposals to make them fit with a sweeping proposal issued by President Donald Trump on his first day in office. NewsCenter Maine reports the executive order aimed to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and reversed years of efforts by public and private sectors designed to bolster opportunities for underrepresented populations, particularly in STEM fields. One grant writer said, “We’re trying to adhere to the rules and guidance of the new administration but also maintain our beliefs and values.”
Economy
New Owners to Revive Maine Seafood Plant
(Gouldsboro) The huge statue of a lobsterman in yellow rain garb holding a trap welcomes folks to the Gouldsboro village of Prospect Harbor. But the Bangor Daily News reports for the past five years, the former Stinson Sardine Cannery represented by the statue has sat empty. Now a group of investors, seasoned seafood dealers, has purchased the building and already begun lobster-buying operations at the 100,000 square foot facility. The new company, Bold Coast Seafood, will handle lobster as its largest-volume product, but also hopes to sell scallops, a wintertime fishery that brings income to lobstermen in the off season, and Jonah crab. The new owners are working to outfit the plant with processing equipment, which is expected to take some time before they’re fully operational.
Education
Friends and Family Weekend at University of Maine
(Orono) The last weekend in September is always a very special one on the campus of the University of Maine in Orono. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center on campus, gives Star 97.7 the scoop. (((FrFam 1 “…of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.” :19))) There’s lots more coming up that weekend as well – stay tuned.
(Orono) Friends and Family Weekend is coming up the last weekend of the month at the University of Maine Orono. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, the Center has added a lot of high-interest special programming for those visiting the campus. (((FrFam 2 “…worlds beyond earth …:21))) … and, Laatsch says, the day will wrap up with a 7 o’clock special show of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Find a schedule of the weekend’s activities at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) The last weekend of September is always a special time on the campus of the University of Maine in Orono. The weekend is packed from Friday through Sunday. At the Versant Power Astronomy Center, Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, the programming is out of this world and down to earth. (((FrFam 3 “…that takes a look at a variety of arctic animals.”))) That’s Friends and Family Weekend, September 26th through the 28th. For more information, visit astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Environment
Castine Residents Work to Reduce Fire Danger
(Castine) As drought conditions continue to persist throughout the state, residents of one coastal town are taking matters into their own hands in order to protect nearby wooded areas. NewsCenter Maine reports more than 150 volunteers are joining Maine Maritime Academy and Maine Coast Heritage Trust to clear fire-prone underbrush from Witherle Woods, one of Castine’s most densely forested areas. The volunteers are removing low-hanging branches, dead brush, and small trees that could quickly ignite and spread flames to nearby homes and public spaces. The Maine Forest Service will later chip the collected brush and spread it along the forest floor, helping to further reduce future fire risk.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Woodlawn Seeks Trustees, Volunteers
(Ellsworth) Woodlawn is one of Ellsworth’s most valued treasures – from the historic Black House, to the beautiful trails, to the priceless archives, croquet and other activities, and now the beautiful new barn. The Woodlawn Board is looking for folks who might want more information about getting involved as a trustee or working on a committee. If you think you might be interested, you’re invited to join them tomorrow evening, September 17th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an information session and cocktail party at the Barn. Come find out how you can be involved with preserving Ellsworth’s past as the City move into the future!
Sheetrock is up at Messenger Animal Rescue’s New Shelter
(Harrington) Sarah Strout, Harrington’s Animal Control Officer and CAS (Chief Animal Saviour), says she’s working on having patience with the building of her new shelter, but the contractors are coming along. In fact, sheetrock is now up, and she still hopes to open later this Fall. Strout has been caring for as many cats and dogs as she can in her home. She says she plans to host an Open House once they set a target opening date. Follow the Messenger Animal Rescue on FB, where you’ll also find a link to donate if you’re so inclined.