Crime/Public Safety

MEMA Urges Home Heating Safety

(Augusta)  Portable heaters, including electric space heaters, are involved in an average of 1600 fires a year, resulting in 70 deaths and 160 injuries during a recent two-year period.  The Maine Emergency Management Agency urges people to use caution when heating their homes.  They say install smoke alarms on every level and inside each bedroom, and make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors on every level as well.  Never use a power strip with space heaters, and never leave them running unattended or while sleeping.  Finally, they say, use portable generators outside only, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from your home and all buildings.  Stay warm AND safe this winter.  

Blaine House Evacuated

(Augusta)  A Tuesday morning gas leak reported in the area prompted evacuation of the Blaine House, where Governor Janet Mills lives.  Augusta Fire Chief David Groder told news outlets construction crews struck a gas line near the building and all occupants were evacuated as a precaution.  No injuries were reported.  Fire crews remained on the scene well into the morning and urged the public to avoid the area.  

FMO Investigating Structure Fire in Friendship

(Friendship)  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate after an explosion at a house in Friendship left one of the home’s occupants in critical condition.  On Monday night shortly before 10 p.m., the Knox County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call about an explosion and fire at a residence on North Harbor Cemetery Lane.  Firefighters responded and found a woman outside the home suffering life-threatening injuries.  The victim was LifeFlighted to Maine Medical Center.  They say the home did not have electrical service.  Generators, a fireplace, and propane gas were being used for heating and cooking.  Several propane cylinders of varying sizes were reportedly found in and around the residence.

Orrington Man Charged in Death of Infant Daughter

(Orrington)  Authorities have arrested an Orrington man in connection with the January 16th death of his 12-week-old daughter.  According to police, the Penobscot RCC received a call Friday morning reporting an unresponsive infant.  The child was taken to Northern Light EMMC in Bangor.  Circumstances led officers to call in the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North. Detectives then arrested the child’s father, 24 yo Shawn Samuels.  On Sunday, investigators learned the infant, Lyla Samuels, had died.  While the cause of death is pending, it has been ruled a homicide.  Samuels is charged with murder and is being held in the Penobscot County Jail pending a court appearance later this morning.

Economy

Dysart’s Opens In Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth now has a Dysart’s!  The combination gas station and convenience store offers customers a quick stop to gas up and fill up with snacks, drinks, pizza by the slice, breakfast sandwiches – even work gloves and Maine-themed gifts, although Dysart’s says there won’t be a restaurant as in some locations. The Ellsworth Dysart’s was built on the site of the former Branch Marine near the Ellsworth Car Wash, both of which were razed to make way for the business and a new drive through car wash coming this spring.  

Ellsworth, URCI Present “Rooted” Workshop

(Ellsworth)  Join the City of Ellsworth and the Union River Center for Innovation Thursday for a half day forum exploring how the community fits into the regional food system, from field to fork and back again.  Neighbors from across Downeast are invited to meet at the Moore Community Center from 9 to 1 and participate in guided conversations and hands-on working sessions on strengthening local economies, improving access and equity, and working together to support sustainable outcomes.  The event is free and open to the community.

Non-profit Island Housing Trust Reaches Fundraising Goal

(Mt. Desert)  The Non-profit Island Housing Trust reached its $3M fundraising goal to build nine units of median-income housing in the Hancock County town of Mt. Desert.  Maine Biz reports the money is for the third phase of the Ripples Hill neighborhood in the village of Somesville. The homes will be designated for year-round families who live, work and attend school on MDI.  The goal is to have the houses completed by the end of this year.

Education

Donation Supports Shaw Institute

(Blue Hill)  A new aquarium is on the horizon for the Shaw Institute, along with the possibility of free admission to their Environmental Education Center in Blue Hill for the remainder of the year.  Those possibilities thanks to a $15K donation from Clearview Energy, a Dallas-based energy company that serves customers throughout the U.S., including Maine.  The Shaw Institute reports one half of the donation will go toward the installation of a new aquarium at the EEC, with the remaining funds designated for a matching fundraising campaign that, if successful, will ensure the free admission.  Executive Director, Dr. Charles Rolsky says the new exhibit will feature a 60-gallon eelgrass marine ecosystem, showcasing species native to the Gulf of Maine.  Highlights will include Lined Seahorses, the largest seahorse species in the world and one found along the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to Brazil.

University of Maine Secures Funding for Health and Life Sciences Complex

(Orono)  The University of Maine Orono will one day be home to a new health and life sciences complex, thanks to a $45M award secured by Republican Senator Susan Collins as head of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  It’s the largest federal funding award in Maine history and comes after a study released by the University showed that in spite of Maine’s need for a medical school, it wasn’t economically feasible to build such a facility on the Orono campus.  In a statement, Collins said the funding is a game changer for UMaine and for the future health of the state.

Environment

UMaine Researchers Take Stock of State’s Forests

(Deer Isle)  Scientists from the University of Maine have been conducting research on the state’s coastal red spruce trees for the past two years.  The Penobscot Bay Press reports as part of the study, they took stock of old growth red spruce forests along the coast and found only two that qualify as old growth – one in Acadia National Park and one on private land.  The oldest red spruce found in Maine dated back to the 1700s; the largest was about three feet across.  Lead researcher Jay Wason III said because  the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of global oceans, the future ability of red spruce forests to persist where they do along the coast is in question, which is why they decided on the study.  

Aurora Borealis 

(Maine)  A strong solar storm lit up the night sky, even into the early morning hours across the country Monday night.  Here in Maine, the colorful glow was captured by those brave enough to wander out into the cold, even as late as 5:45 a.m. in Franklin, Ellsworth, Sullivan, and Corinth.  For those wanting a heads up on solar activity, follow Maine Aurora Borealis Watch on FB.  

Infrastructure

New Submarine Power Cable to Be Installed

(Isle au Haut)  The Isle au Haut Power Company will be installing a new submarine power cable between Stonington and Isle au Haut next month. The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association reports work will begin February 15th and run through February 28th, with the project happening between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.  Fishermen are advised to relocate gear to minimize gear interactions.  A map is available through the NEFS, and vessels will be monitoring VHF Channel 9 during the installation.  

Old Farmer’s Almanac Adds Cannabis to Planting Ever

(Undated)  For the first time ever, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has added cannabis to its planting calendar … along with an expansion of medicinal flowers, native plants, and lesser known edible perennials some say have been feeding and healing cultures long before lawns and chemicals took over.  Just be sure you check about your local ordinances before digging in.

Human Interest

Gift Gives Boost to Friendship Cottage

(Blue Hill)  Friendship Cottage has been a lifeline for hundreds of families who care for aging and dependent adults, including those with dementia, stroke, and other disabilities.  The adult day services offered on-site at the Blue Hill facility are critical, because there are no public long-term care facilities in Hancock County.  This month, the adult daycare itself gained a lifeline – a $75K anonymous gift to the Save Friendship Cottage Building Fund in honor of beloved community advocate Gerry Bryan.  Following his wife’s early-onset dementia, Bryan was instrumental in helping to raise over a million dollars to create Friendship Cottage. In order to continue this vital service in the current building, they need to raise $700K by March 1st.  You can send donations to Box 1107 Blue Hill with FC Building Fund in the memo line.

Town of Milbridge Seeks Input or Milbridge Days Theme

(Milbridge)  Milbridge Days is a not-to-be-missed summer event!  Organizers are looking for suggestions for a theme for this year for the festivities, which will run July 23rd through the 25th.  Visit Milbridge Days on FB and share your ideas!

KWW Begins Grooming Trails

(Millinocket)  Good news for fans of Katahdin Woods & Waters who like a quiet getaway for cross-country skiing.  The National Monument has begun grooming operations.  Check the latest grooming updates on their website.

Ghost of Paul Revere Returns for Ghostland 2026

(Portland)  Good news for those having withdrawal since the popular group “The Ghost of Paul Revere” disbanded four years ago.  The group will be back together for the Ghostland Music Festival in Portland on September 6th.  VIP ticket holders will also join the group for an intimate night of music to warm up the weekend on September 4th.  Presale tickets went on sale yesterday – we posted that link and information on our social media pages on Tuesday.  

National News

EU Leaders to Meet in Response to Trump’s Threats to Take Greenland

(ABC News)  The leaders of all 27 European Union nations planned to come together this week for what countries are calling an “extraordinary meeting” in response to US President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure campaign to take Greenland.  ABC News reports the leaders are mobilizing after Trump on Saturday announced a 10% tariff would be imposed on all goods sent to the US from eight NATO nations, including Denmark, France, Germany, and the U.K.  Sources say European leaders have reconfirmed their strong commitment to international law, Arctic security through NATO, and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland in the face of Trump’s continued effort to take control of the Arctic island.

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