Crime/Public Safety

Christmas Day Fire in Brunswick

(Brunswick)  Multiple fires kept first responders busy this past weekend.  Members of the Brunswick Fire Department were called to a home on Bridge Road shortly after 3 p.m. Christmas Day.  The homeowner told firefighters that because of a power outage, they were operating on a portable generator, which shut down.  After one of the home’s occupants restarted it, heavy smoke was seen coming from the eaves, at which point the generator was unplugged, the home evacuated, and firefighters called.  Authorities believe a power surge created by the generator’s restart led to an electrical malfunction involving an industrial style ceiling fan.  The attic area sustained heavy fire damage, but no injuries were reported.  

Pittsfield Fire Destroys Home

(Pittsfield)  A house fire in Pittsfield Friday destroyed a Canaan Road property.  Firefighters arrived at the residence in the early morning and found it fully engulfed.  The homeowners were away, and a neighbor had been watching the family’s two dogs, who perished in the fire.  State Fire Marshal investigators determined the blaze originated in the ceiling area of the kitchen.  It is not considered suspicious.  

Portland Wharf Fire

(Portland)  A Friday evening fire caused major damage to a wharf and buildings on the Portland waterfront, including storage and maintenance spaces used by multiple fishermen, lobstermen’s trap repair shops and other businesses.  Investigators were on the scene over the weekend to try to determine a cause of that blaze, but say there is no indication of foul play.  Damage was so extensive, they say it’s unlikely they’ll be able to determine an exact cause.  Businesses including Nanuq Kayak, Maritime Antique, and The Sea Bag Factory Store were impacted by the fire at 25 and 27 Custom House Wharf.  Authorities are continuing to gather video and additional information on that fire.

Corinth Death

(Corinth)  A 22 year old Corinth man is charged with murder in connection with the December 27th shooting death of his mother.  The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting at a home on Main Street and arrived to find the body of 41 yo Abigail Thomas.  Thomas’s son, Daniel Derosier, who lived with his mother, was taken into custody and charged.  He’s being held at the Penobscot County Jail while the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate.

MSP Investigate Death of Child in Milford

(Milford)  Maine State Police continue to investigate the death of a child in Milford.  The one-year-old was reportedly found unresponsive Sunday morning at a residence there.  Few details were released, but authorities say police investigate all deaths involving children under the age of three.

Tremont Deaths Ruled Murder/Suicide

(Tremont)  Circumstances surrounding the discovery of two bodies in Tremont last Tuesday appear to indicate the deaths were a murder-suicide.  A witness discovered the bodies of 78 yo Jyoti Hawley and 75 yo William Hawley near 11 Big Rocks Road on December 23rd and called authorities.  Autopsies were performed – investigators determined Jyoti Hawley was a homicide victim, and her husband, William, died by suicide.  Both died of gunshot wounds.  William Hawley was a composer – both were reportedly well-known longtime residents of the community.  The investigation into their deaths is ongoing. 

Man Rescued from Sailboat

(Machiasport)  A man who was living on a sailboat was rescued Saturday night after his boat ran aground on Featherbed Island in Machiasport. The U.S.Coast Guard reported seeing signal flares in the vicinity of Black Duck Cove and Western Bay off Beals Island about 6:45 p.m.  It’s unclear if the flares were related to the Machiasport rescue.  Rescuers were able to get the unidentified man to shelter and warmed up. Authorities with the Maine Marine Patrol say they expect the man to be ok.  

Authorities Urge Caution Regarding Early Season Ice

(Maine)  Authorities are urging folks to use caution before venturing out onto that early season ice to fish, skate, ski, or for other activities.  Though it’s been plenty bitter, they say ice conditions can be affected by currents, springs, shallow areas, proximity to bridges and fluctuating temperatures. Mark Latti, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, told the Portland Press Herald you can’t tell how thick the ice is just by looking at it.  He said drill or chop a hole and look for between 4 and 6 inches of ice.  Then, because conditions can vary, go another 20 feet and check again.  He says for heavier activities, such as snowmobiling, 5 to 7 inches is generally safe, 8 to 12 for smaller vehicles, and 12 to 15 inches is recommended for medium size trucks.

Christmas Day Domestic

(Eastbrook)  Christmas morning began on a threatening note in Eastbrook.  Members of the Hancock County Sheriff’s office were called to a residence there on a report of an active domestic assault.  An investigation led to the arrest of 43 yo Dustin Johnson.  He’s charged with Aggravated Assault, Criminal Threatening with a Dangerous Weapon, and Violation of Condition of Release.  Johnson was taken to the Hancock County Jail.  If you or someone you know is facing harm due to domestic abuse, you’re urged to call Next Step Domestic Violence Project’s 24/7 helpline.  You do not have to be in crisis to call.

Next Step Provides Resources for Those Facing Domestic Abuse

(Ellsworth)  The holidays certainly bring out the best in folks, but it also seems to bring out the worst.  Coupled with the long hours of darkness and bitter winter cold, police reports often detail incidences of domestic abuse and violence.  Next Step Domestic Violence Project reminds you, you have a right to live in safety and without fear of abuse.  They’ve offered free, life-changing services to the community for more than thirty years, and you don’t have to be in crisis to reach out.  If you or someone you know needs their resources, call their helpline 24/7 at 1-800-315-5579.  

Environment

Cosmic Wonders Kick Off 2026

(AP)  Cosmic wonders will kick off 2026.  The Associated Press reports a supermoon shines on January 3rd, with an astronomical blue moon on the books in May.  The sun will share top billing with a Ring of Fire eclipse at the bottom of the world in February and a total solar eclipse at the top of the world in August.  Scientists say expect more auroras in unexpected places, though perhaps not as frequently as in the past couple of years.

Health

Research Seems to Indicate Benefits of Coffee, Chocolate

(WaPo)  Have another cup of that morning coffee and bite into a bit of dark chocolate while you’re at it!  A study published this month in the journal Aging found people with higher blood levels of an alkaloid called theobromine, found in cocoa and in smaller amounts in coffee and tea, seem to have slower cellular aging.  The study found an association, but not a causal link and didn’t suggest how much you would have to eat or drink to get the age-related benefit … but good enough for us as they keep the research going.

Human Interest

Ellsworth Library Hosts New Year’s Eve for Kids

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Public Library says New Year’s Eve fun is for kids, too!  Bring the family and join them Wednesday at 11 a.m. for the Kids’ Noon Year’s Eve Party!  There will be exciting crafts, delicious snacks, engaging games, festive photo opportunities and more.  Start the New Year with this family friendly activity – if it’s the Ellsworth Public Library, you know it’s going to be good!  They even have a balloon drop planned at Noon!  Visit ellsworth library dot net for more!

Guitar Winner Donates it to Young Enthusiast

(Ellsworth)  Here’s a heartwarming story from our friends at Vinyl Vogue Music & Records in downtown Ellsworth.  Owner Matt Manry tells Downeast Digest a customer had won a guitar in a contest some months back.  Because the customer already had two other guitars, he asked Vinyl Vogue to donate it to someone who truly needed it.  A bit before Christmas, Matt learned of a local mom whose son really wanted to learn to play; but it just wasn’t in the budget this year.  With another $50 donated by a generous customer, Vinyl Vogue was able to include a gig bag, strap, tuner, picks, and other accessories to get the young man started.  We’re sure there were some big smiles in that household Christmas morning.  Just another reason to shop local and keep doing good.

Where in the World Winner

(Addison)  Congratulations to our latest “Where in the World is Sonnie?”  Winner!  Hattie Alley of Addison won a $25 gift card to Brick House Soups in Ellsworth – yum!  This week’s location is up on social media, and we’re already getting some great guesses!  Remember, for your guess to count, you have to post it on our website. This week’s winner gets a $25 gift card from Sweet Cheeks Bakery … or you can use it at their diner in Bucksport.  We were there Saturday – you’re gonna love it!  Get busy, good luck, and bon appetit!

National News

FEMA’s Lack of Response a Hardship for Victims of Helene

(NC)  Over 800 storm victims battered by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina more than a year ago say they have applied for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.  The Washington Post reports so far, not a single approval has come through.  North Carolina Governor Josh Stein calls the paralysis “absolutely unacceptable” and is pushing for answers.

Zelenskyy/Trump Meet

(Washington, DC)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was to meet with President Donald Trump yesterday in Florida for further talks on ending the nearly four-year war begun when Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, hoping to seize territory.  The President shared on social media that he had a “very productive phone call with … Putin” prior to the meeting with Zelenskyy.  Zelenskyy was expected to discuss security guarantees.  A broad coalition of European countries, now called the Berlin team, is now part of the ongoing talks. Russia on Saturday bombarded Kyiv with missiles and drones.  Following the attack, Canada pledged an additional 2.5B in economic aid for Ukraine.

Trump Approves Strikes Against Nigeria

(AP)  President Donald Trump on Christmas Eve announced the U.S. had launched a “powerful and deadly” strike against forces of the Islamic State group in Nigeria.  The President has spent weeks accusing the West African country’s government of failing to rein in the targeting of Christians.

Brigette Bardot Dies

(AP)  Brigette Bardot, the 1960’s French sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist, has died. The Associated Press reports Bardot died Sunday at her home in southern France.  She was 91.  Bardot became an international celebrity as a sexualized teen bride in the 1956 movie “And God Created Woman”.  Directed by then-husband Roger Vadim, it triggered a scandal with scenes of the long-legged beauty dancing on tables unclothed.

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