Crime, Public Safety, Drugs
Officials Release Information on Body Found on Campobello
(Campobello) The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has issued an update regarding a body discovered Sunday near Wilson’s Beach Campobello New Brunswick. Canadian authorities identified the body as that of 47 yo Daryle Hall of Eastport. About the same time Hall’s body was discovered, a family member reported he had been missing, along with his vehicle, since the prior evening. During an ensuing investigation, Deputies noticed what appeared to be a recently damaged concrete curb on the breakwater pier in Eastport and debris consistent with that of a damaged vehicle. Divers from Cooke Aquaculture assisted and were able to locate Hall’s car in some 45 feet of water. The SUV was recovered. It appeared Hall had been the sole occupant. Reports from Canadian authorities indicate Hall’s death was consistent with injuries sustained in the crash.
Maine No Longer on Federal “Sanctuary Jurisdictions” List
(Hancock County) Hancock and Cumberland Counties and the City of Portland were once on a US Department of Homeland Security list that identified states, cities, and counties with “policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws.” Now, the Bangor Daily News reports the list no longer includes any entries for Maine. The reason for the change is unclear. The original list included more than 500 locations across the country, but disappeared from the DOJ website in early June. It was republished in August with just 35 entries. Representatives from the three Maine jurisdictions that were originally listed say they had not made changes in response to being included on the list. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.
Local Politics
King Proposes Funding for Civics Education
(Washington, DC) Senator Angus King has introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster civics education resources for school children across the United States. Introduced to mark Constitution Day, the Constitution education Is Valuable In Community Schools (CIVICS) Act would require elementary and secondary education federal grant recipients to include U.S. Constitution education—through hands-on programming for teachers and students—in order to be eligible for continued funding. The bill recognizes the importance of teaching American history, government, geography, and the importance of the Constitution to basic civics literacy. The Maine Department of Education this week launched “Civics on the Road”, an interactive program designed to help educate students in grades 5 and 6 on the principles of Democracy.
Mills Takes Additional Steps Toward Senate Run
(AP) Governor Janet Mills appears to be taking steps in a run for the US Senate in 2026. Sources said to have direct knowledge of her efforts told the Associated Press Mills has made calls to prospective campaign managers, though she has made no formal announcement. The AP notes that although Democrats would still face a difficult path to regaining a majority in next year’s midterm election, in Mills, the Party would have a two-term Governor with a record of winning statewide in a state where Democrat Kamala Harris defeated Trump in 2024.
Naturalization Ceremony
(Portland) Fifty people from more than two dozen countries are now official United States citizens, following a ceremony this week at USM’s Portland campus. The Portland Press Herald reports the ceremony took place Wednesday, which just happened to be Constitution Day, commemorating the document that laid the foundation and values for the country, including freedoms of speech, religion, and peaceful assembly. Governor Janet Mills attended the ceremony, mingling and taking photos with the new citizens following the ceremony, calling it “emotional and inspiring.”
Maine State Nurses Endorse Jackson, Platner
(Maine) Thursday, members of the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee announced their endorsement of Troy Jackson for Maine Governor and Graham Platner for U.S. Senate. In releasing their endorsement, the organization said, “As the Trump administration continues to decimate the U.S. healthcare system, Maine nurses know that both Jackson and Platner will stand strong in fighting for the state’s workers, patients, and communities.”
Economy
Cleanup, Developer Mean Revitalization of Former Cutler Naval Base
(Cutler) Exciting things happening with the former Naval Base in Cutler. In 2021, the Washington County Development Authority was awarded a $500K Brownfield Cleanup Grant from the US EPA for cleanup of asbestos and other contaminants at the campus’s Recreation Building. The building includes a gym, bowling alley and racquetball court used by the Navy Base until its decommissioning in 2003. The WCDA has teamed up with engineers to remediate the contaminants issues. In July, a contractor was selected. The project is expected to be completed by this December. And while redevelopment plans for that building aren’t yet determined, the WCDA has entered into a lease agreement with a developer, Dan Morton, who will be redesigning the other buildings on the former naval site for commercial or storage uses. Stay tuned …
New Balance to Open Expansion in Skowhegan
(Skowhegan) Boston-based New Balance, the athletic shoe brand that’s the choice of and that sponsor’s #1 NBA Draft Pick Cooper Flagg, is getting ready to open its newly-completed 120K square foot factory addition in Skowhegan. New Balance and state and local officials will unveil the expanded facility this Monday, September 22nd. Between its manufacturing sites in Skowhegan and Norway and stores in Skowhegan, Oxford and Kittery, New Balance employs a total of 800 people here in Maine. The company has 10K employees worldwide and owns five athletic footwear factories in New England and one in the U.K.
Bangor Mall Update
(Bangor) Bangor City leaders this week took part in a meeting with prospective developers for the Bangor Mall. WABI reports the A-T-I Group, based out of Iowa, is currently working on two other major mall renovations, including one owned by the Namdar Realty Group, the company that owns the Bangor Mall. Senator Joe Baldacci says the mall has lost 80% of its value over the years and faces significant litigation by the City of Bangor. City leaders say they’re looking at both retail and housing development.
URCI Offers Workshop for Budding Entrepreneurs and Seasoned Business Owners
(Ellsworth) Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, you’ll want to participate in this upcoming workshop. Back by popular demand, the Union River Center for Innovation reprises the Entrepreneurial Exploration Workshop Series, PLUS Planning for Winter Cash Flow. Topics will include how to turn ideas into reality, determining what it takes to start a business, what’s your plan, and demystifying the financials. A separate workshop will help you plan now to greatly reduce angst come February, with presenter Eric Treworgy of CEI and Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato – who just happens to know a thing or two about successfully maneuvering business through those winter months! For more information, contact URCI.
Environment
Maine’s Environment Under Seige
(Maine) Maine’s forests, lakes, and wetlands are under attack. The Portland Press Herald reports a growing list of pests and invasive plants is threatening to reshape habitats and even eliminate landscapes that define Maine altogether. Japanese stiltgrass is the latest invader concerning ecologists, who warn the plant produces thousands of seeds, crowds out native wildflowers and seedlings, alters the soil, and leaves brittle patches that are prone to wildfires. From vines that climb six inches a day to beetles that hollow out entire stands of ash trees, they say the environment is under siege and the invaders threaten industries such as logging and Christmas tree farming, as well; with a warming climate driving much of the change. Scientists say it’s critical all of us keep a watchful eye and report any threats.
Beal Elected to Serve as President of NASDA
(Augusta) A well-deserved honor for another Maine woman. Amanda Beal, Commissioner for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry, was elected this week to serve as the 2026 President of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. MDACF says the choice by her peers underscores both Beal’s leadership and Maine’s growing voice in shaping the future of American agriculture. As part of her Presidency, Beal will lead NASDA in hosting the 2026 Annual Meeting next September in Portland, that will bring together agricultural leaders from across the nation to the state, highlighting Maine’s farms, fisheries, and forests and reinforcing NASDA’s role in shaping resilient agricultural policy.
Health
EPL Presents Home Caregiver Workshop
(Ellsworth) What’s it like to be a home caregiver? The State of Maine has implemented new certification requirements for home care workers, creating a clearer path to becoming a Personal Support Specialist. The changes add credibility and structure to care-giving as a professional field – opening new doors for those considering a career change or re-entering the workforce. The Ellsworth Public Library is hosting a workshop on the topic, led by experienced staff from Home Instead. The workshop will provide an overview of what it’s like to be a home caregiver, help inform participants on the new requirements, include real life stories, and share the benefits of the profession, such as flexible schedules, meaningful work, and opportunities for advancement. Sign up for the Thursday, September 24th workshop (that’s from 4-5 p.m.) at ellsworth library dot net.
Technology
New Software Program Causes Headaches for Maine’s Community Colleges
(Maine) Delayed financial awards, incorrect GPA calculations, a nightmare class registration process; even early retirement for professors or staff quitting altogether. What’s behind the mess? The Portland Press Herald writes the rollout of a new software system. Maine’s community colleges have reportedly experienced widespread system failures, staff morale collapse, and student disruptions … with some offices documenting voicemail backlogs from students with issues numbering in the hundreds. The system is already $1.6M over budget, and full implementation is still incomplete. Anthology Systems President David Daigler acknowledges frustrations, but insists progress is being made. He cites external reviews that say Anthology can still work, despite user complaints. Colleges in Oregon, Michigan, and Wisconsin have sued the company over similar failures.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Video Workshop Highlights Work by Stephen King
(Bangor) A video workshop class at Husson University’s New England School of Communication will begin casting for a short film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story Willa, from his collection Just After Sunset.
The casting call is for ten roles geared toward actors ages 20 and up, with “extras” needed as well. Auditions will be held in the Gracie Theatre on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 5-7pm and on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 12-2. Led by program coordinator for Video and Film Production Franklin Welch, the play will be student-led and directed – and is expected to begin the week of October 7 with about five weeks of rehearsal and production.
Tip-A-Cop is Monday at Helen’s Restaurant in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) Dinner is never more fun – nor more meaningful – than at the annual Tip-A-Cop event at Helen’s Restaurant in Ellsworth! This Monday, from 5 to 7, law enforcement officials will be donning the aprons, taking your orders, and serving up those platters of arresting foods and desserts at Helen’s. Restaurant owner Melanie Omlor Fox and her staff will be standing by with just the ticket – any needed support; and don’t worry, the cops won’t be cooking – at least we don’t think so. What they ARE cooking up is a fundraiser for Maine Special Olympics, and your tips will go toward that worthwhile organization. Corporal Shawn Merchant with the Ellsworth Police Department is a passionate supporter of the Special Olympics. He and others will be on hand to serve! So don’t handcuff yourself to the kitchen this Monday evening! Have your friends bail you out and enjoy a delicious evening for a great cause at Tip-A-Cop.