Crime/Public Safety

Handler in Charge of Comfort Dog’s Death Resigns

(Bangor)  The handler in charge of public safety comfort dog Baxter, who died after being left in a car on a warm day, has resigned from his post as the state’s emergency communications director.  WMTW reports Brodie Hinckley had been on paid administrative leave.  At the time of Baxter’s death on May 28th, officials said the car had been left running with the air conditioning on but that it inexplicably shut off.  Evidence reportedly shows Baxter was left in the car for four hours.  Animal cruelty charges in Maine can be considered either a criminal offense or a civil violation. Because of Hinckley’s feelings for the dog and remorse, a civil charge was levied.  Hinckley is scheduled to appear in court on November 6th.  

Sullivan Crash

(Sullivan)  A single vehicle crash on Route One in Sullivan Tuesday morning claimed the life of a 32 yo Milbridge man.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office reports Gared Birdtail was westbound shortly after 10:30 at what witnesses described as a high rate of speed.  Birdtail was unable to negotiate a curve near the intersection of Taunton Drive, causing his car to leave the roadway, descend a small embankment and continue down the roadway where it struck a tree, rolled onto its roof and collided with a second tree before coming to rest.  Birdtail was pronounced dead at the scene.  The road was closed for several hours while authorities reconstructed the crash, which remains under investigation.   

Local Politics

Washington County Budget Committee Votes to Support Proposed Bond

(Machias)  The Washington County Budget Committee has voted to support the recently amended $8M upcoming bond, which will be used exclusively to retire the existing TAN or Tax Anticipation Note.  While the committee initially had reservations, after thoroughly studying the issue, members came to the conclusion that if the bond does not pass, the 2026 County budget will be severely compromised, with the County left in the unprecedented position of running out of money to provide County services, most of which are related to public safety, such as 9-1-1 dispatch.  The Committee issued a resolution yesterday saying it regrets the need for the bond but cannot see any other responsible solution.  

Ellsworth City Council Approves Bond 

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth City Council Monday approved a bond anticipation note for two major projects.  One of those – construction and improvements of the school track.  The track, built in the 1980s, is owned by the City but maintained by the school.  School officials and others testified about its poor and unsafe condition and the lack of ADA compliant access.  Construction would also require a re-do of the school soccer field.  Money for the project would come from the city and school budgets – one third each – with the final one-third  from fundraising.

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth’s status as a growing municipality means added strain on resources such as the city’s fire trucks.  At Monday night’s City Council meeting, Department Chief Scott Guillerault proposed moving Engine 2, the current main engine, to reserve status and purchasing a much needed new fire truck.  Guillerault shared that Engine 2 was purchased in 2016 and regularly costs the department in expensive maintenance and repairs.  He said a new engine could be purchased for between 800K and a million dollars. Council approved a $1,770K bond for purchase of a new truck and for ⅔ of the cost needed for repairs and construction of the school track.  The final one-third of that project – about $379K – will come from fundraising.

Economy

SNAP Benefits to be Withheld in November

(Undated)  SNAP benefits will not be issued next month.  The US Department of Agriculture made that announcement Tuesday as the government shutdown dragged into its 21st day.  More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to help with food costs.  Anyone needing assistance can visit their local food bank or call 2-1-1.

Tariffs, Other Factors Impact Coffee Prices

(Undated)  Chances are, as you’re listening this morning, you have a steaming mug of coffee in hand. MaineBiz writes that while it’s always been pricey to roast high-quality coffee, recent tariff hikes imposed by the Trump administration on several countries where coffee is grown – 50% on the world’s largest grower, Brazil – mean costs have risen to the point where US roasters are finding price increases unavoidable.  Portland-based Coffee by Design sources beans from more than 23 countries, all of which now have tariffs.  Only one percent of the coffee consumed in the US is from beans grown domestically.  Other prices have gone up as well, with one business telling us the cost of an espresso machine is now practically the cost of a car.

Jackson Lab Acquires New York Stem Cell Foundation

(Bar Harbor)  Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor has acquired the New York Stem Cell Foundation, a nonprofit that developed an AI platform that supports large amounts of data related to stem cell research.  MaineBiz reports the lab’s president and CEO, Lon Cardon, said the acquisition “marks a turning point in biomedical research” that combines the lab’s expertise in genetics and mouse models with the foundation’s stem cell and automation technologies.  As part of the deal, 77 foundation employees will join the lab’s 3,000 employees at campuses and facilities in Maine and four other states, as well as in Japan.

Bangor YMCA Breaks Ground on $58M Downtown Facility

(Bangor)  The Bangor Region YMCA has officially broken ground on its $57.8M facility, slated to open in August 2027.  Fundraising, including a public campaign that began in February, has brought in more than $43M of the monies needed to complete the new three-story, 82K square foot facility.  The new recreation building will include a gymnasium, two swimming pools, and extensive programming for all ages.  MaineBiz reports once completed, it will be named the Cathy Gero Bangor Region YMCA in honor of a longtime member and supporter who passed away in 2022 following a battle with cancer.

Environment

Arbor Commission Continues Fall Tree Planting

(Ellsworth)  There’s something shady going on on Foster and Washington Streets in Ellsworth.  Arbor Commission Chair Tabatha White tells Downeast Digest fall tree planting in those streets’ rights-of-way is in progress.  Crews are currently prepping sites, and the trees will likely go in the first week of November to help meet neighborhood needs and bring beauty and shade to those who live and travel on those roadways.  The plantings are part of a larger street tree plan to restore the City’s once lush tree canopy.  

Technology 

Fidium Fiber to Improve Connectivity to Graham Lake Area

(Ellsworth)  Nothing more frustrating these days than not having access to high speed internet, but improvements in that area are coming to Graham Lake residents.  Ellsworth City Councilman Jon Stein tells Downeast Digest he’s been in talks with Fidium Fiber to provide connectivity to those who live on North Street and Graham Way.  Fidium is awaiting funding, but anticipates extending service to the area between June 2026 and sometime in 2027.

Infrastructure

Environmental Concerns Ground Portland Jetport Parking Lot Proposal

(Portland)  Environmental concerns have grounded a $9.3M parking lot proposal at the Portland International Jetport.  MaineBiz reports the long-debated proposal to build the temporary lot was rejected Monday night by the Portland City Council.  The lot would have been a temporary solution until a new garage could be built, but the proposed site included wetlands and woodlands.  Speakers at this week’s Portland City Council meeting said they recognized the need for more parking, but wanted to see more sustainable options, including expanded bus service to the Jetport and shuttle service to parking at the nearby Maine Mall until a new garage was constructed.

Human Interest

Fortier Retires After 50 Years with Ellsworth Fire Department

(Ellsworth)  Captain Richard Fortier was honored at Monday night’s Ellsworth City Council Meeting, and with good reason.  Fortier is retiring, having served the Ellsworth Fire Department for 50 years.  Chief Scott Guilleraut presented Fortier with a plaque and his wife, Joyce, with flowers – noting the sacrifices she, too,  made over the past half century as the wife of a firefighter.  Public service runs in the family.  Fortier’s brothers also served with the EFD.  Captain Fortier received a well-earned standing ovation.

Bucksport Plans for Much-Needed New Animal Shelter

(Bucksport)  The town of Bucksport contracts with nine other towns – including Searsport, Dedham, and Winterport –  to shelter stray animals; an important task since the Bangor and Waterville Humane Societies have stopped taking in additional animals.  But the town is badly in need of a new shelter to accommodate those rescues.  The Ellsworth American reports a committee called Shed to Shelter has launched a fundraising campaign to replace the current shelter, which they say is aging, inefficient, and poorly insulated – in fact, it doesn’t even have running water.  A new shelter would ideally feature separate intake rooms for cats and dogs, larger dog runs, an isolation room, and laundry space.  The current shelter is located behind the transfer station, and is only accessible when that is open.  The new facility would be behind the town garage.  You can donate online, by mail, with your returnables, or by becoming a corporate sponsor by contacting Rich Rotella, Bucksport’s Director of Community and Economic Development.  

National News

Media Censorship an Ongoing Concern

(Undated)  Media censorship continues to be an ongoing concern, both nationally and locally.  The parent company of CNN and HBO has announced it’s open to a sale, leaving its news and streaming subsidiaries’ futures uncertain.  Skydance, which recently took over Paramount, has reportedly expressed interest.  The company recently spent $150M to buy Bari Weiss’s website, the Free Press, and named the conservative writer Editor in Chief of CBS News, raising concerns about the station once heralded as the standard for fairness in news reporting.

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