Crime/Public Safety

Multiple School Districts Receive Threats

(Maine)  Multiple school districts in Maine altered their schedules or closed altogether Monday, following reported threats officials say were likely part of a broader hoax targeting schools.  NewsCenter Maine reports the threats affected George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill, where Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a threatening call received there. School officials closed the academy and dismissed students as a precaution, although an investigation determined the threat was part of a nationwide hoax. MSAD 75, which includes Bowdoin and Topsham, also received threats, and schools there were closed for the day.  RSU 57, the Waterboro district, reported a false swatting call after students arrived at Alfred Elementary.  Law enforcement there cleared the building, but classes later resumed.

Domestic Abuse Spurred More Than Half of Maine Homicides in 2025

(Maine)  There were 18 homicides reported in Maine last year – more than half were from domestic abuse.  That’s according to a report by a review panel released Monday.  The Bangor Daily News reports the number of homicides in Maine has been cut in half over the past three years, but domestic abuse killings have steadily increased.  Sources say it’s a misperception that hotlines are for victims only.  Anyone needing help or who knows someone who needs help can call the free, confidential hotline at 866-834-4357.  (TTY 1-800-437-1220)

Residential Group Home Employee Arrested

(Hermon)  An  employee of a residential group home in Hermon is under arrest, accused of assaulting a resident on Saturday. The Penobscot County Sheriff’s office reports 26 yo Innocent Muzungu of Bangor faces multiple charges, including Assault and Obstructing the Report of a Crime.  The victim was taken to a hospital.  The investigation remains active, so authorities say no additional information is being released at this time.  

Frankfort Teen Appears in Court

(Rockland)  The teen charged in the murder of a paddleboarder on Crawford Pond last summer appeared in court in Rockland on Friday.  The Midcoast Villager reports prosecutors want to try 18 yo Deven Young as an adult.  Young was 17 when he allegedly killed Sunshine Stewart as she was paddleboarding alone on the Union area pond.  The case is sealed until the court determines whether or not Young is competent to stand trial.

Local Politics

Dems Vying for Golden’s Seat Take Different Approach

(Maine)  Candidates hoping to replace U.S. Representative Jared Golden in Maine’s 2nd District are all positioning themselves as more progressive than Golden.  While not running for reelection, the Portland Press Herald reports Golden’s moderate stance on ICE in order to win the conservative-leaning district has not been added to the playbooks of the three major Democratic contenders – State Auditor Matt Dunlap, former Capitol Hill operative Jordan Wood, and State Senator Joe Baldacci. The three are calling for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement to undergo significant changes, with Dunlap calling the agency “out of control.”. The primary winner will be up against Trump-endorsed Paul LePage.

Economy

Working Waterfront Access Funding

(Augusta)  Projects that support commercial marine-related businesses can apply for state funding through the Working Waterfront Access Program.  MaineBiz reports funding is available for properties that retain their use for fishing, aquaculture, and related commercial marine activities.  Awards will come from $1.2M approved by Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature in the FY 2022-23 budget.  Applicants can find a proposal workbook on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Conservation website under the Land for Maine’s Future section.

Margarita’s Owner Hit with New Lawsuit

(Ellsworth)  The owner of the former Margarita’s Restaurant in Ellsworth has been hit with a new lawsuit.  The Bangor Daily News reports David Reesman is being sued by Performance Food Group, a food delivery company, for failing to pay more than $50K.  Reesman owned two Bangor restaurants, as well, but sources say most of the money is owed from the Ellsworth establishment.  Reesman is accused of owing some $200K total to various lenders.  The Mexican Restaurant in Ellsworth was ordered temporarily closed May 14th and did not reopen.

City Seeks Input on Childcare Needs

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth is looking for residents’ input on childcare in the community.  They ask that you complete a quick 5-7 minute survey posted at ellsworth maine dot gov.  They say the survey will help city officials understand current challenges, identify gaps in childcare services, and explore opportunities to support families and potential childcare providers.

Proposed Blue Hill Subdivision Moves Forward

(Blue Hill)  A proposed 10-lot residential subdivision on Herrick Lane in Blue Hill is moving forward, following a public hearing last month.  The Weekly Packet reports the project, known as Jonathan Fisher Fields, would subdivide approximately 1.4 acres of a parcel on the undeveloped northwest portion of the Harborview Apartments property.  The proposal includes a new private access road, common well, shared utilities, and would connect to the municipal sewer system.  The proposed development is not expected to have an adverse effect on historic or cultural resources.  The next step will be a review for sufficiency at the Planning Board’s February 11th meeting.

Human Interest

February is National Library Lovers’ Month

(Ellsworth) Love is in the air this month – especially at the Ellsworth Public Library, where they’re celebrating National Library Lovers’ Month with two, month-long, all-ages reading programs.  For adults and young adults, there’s “Blind Date with a Book”, and for ages 8-12, “Adventure with a Book”.  Participants choose a wrapped book; and based on its first sentence, submit a short review and a rating for a chance to win a gift certificate.  February 7th from 9 to 1, it’s Take Your Child to the Library Day.  Families with children ages 2 through 4th Grade are invited to enjoy crafts, a library treasure hunt, and more, with a free book giveaway, sponsored by Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library.  You’ll love what’s going on at the library all month long – visit ellsworth library dot net to learn more.

Ellsworth Lioness Club Collects for Father-Daughter Dance

(Ellsworth)  Every year, the Ellsworth Lioness Club hosts a father-daughter dance.  They believe every girl who attends should dress and feel like a princess.  So, ahead of this year’s April 11th event, they’re collecting gently used dresses, shoes and accessories for those who might have financial constraints.  The goal is to collect 100 dresses.  Those, along with other items, can be dropped off at several area locations, including the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce.  

Caretaker Couple Sought

(Boothbay Harbor)  If your dreams include living in an historic island lighthouse for a season, the Maine Department of Marine Resources has a bright idea.  They’re looking for a volunteer caretaker couple to serve as seasonal stewards of Burnt Island Light for the 2026 season.  Burnt Island Light is situated in the quaint coastal town of Boothbay Harbor.  Caretakers would live in the upstairs portion of the landmark, greet visitors, provide tours, take care of routine lawn care and gardening, and be comfortable living in a remote boat-access-only setting.  To learn more or to apply, send a letter of interest to burnt dot island dot d m r at maine dot gov.

National News

Trump’s Approval Ratings Continue to Slide

(Undated)  President Trump’s public approval ratings continued to slide to their lowest point in January.  A Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 39% of respondents approved of the crackdown by ICE agents – 53% disapproved.  A Fox News poll found 59% of voters think ICE is too aggressive.  That’s up 10 points from July.  

Neil Young Gifts Greenland with Song

(Undated)  Artist Neil Young is gifting Greenland free access to his entire music catalog for a year.  The activist songwriter penned, “I hope my music and music films will ease some of the unwarranted stress and threats you are experiencing from our unpopular and hopefully temporary government.”  Young recently removed access to his music from Amazon Music streaming services in a rebuff to founder Jeff Bezos, who has supported President Trump.  

Kennedy Center to Close

(Washington, DC)  President Trump has announced the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will close for approximately two years, beginning this July.  Trump claims the closure is for a complete reconstruction and rebranding.  In his first days in office, many of the center’s board and staff left or were fired after Trump set himself up as chair.  He then added his name to the building.  As a result, The Washington National Opera left the institution, multiple artists have declined to perform there, and attendance has been miserably lacking.

Epstein Files Released

(BBC)  The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday released millions of new files relating to the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein – six weeks after a deadline signed into law that mandated all Epstein-related documents be shared with the public.  The documents contain references to President Donald Trump and other powerful figures.  While some of those references appear benign, sources say others include newly disclosed but as yet unverified sexual assault claims against Trump compiled last year by the FBI.  It’s widely reported the material was heavily redacted before its release.

Evidence of Crime at Home of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

(Tucson)  Authorities are calling the Arizona home of missing 84 yo Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, a “crime scene”.  The elder Guthrie was last seen at her home around 9:30 Saturday night.  A family member reported her missing around Noon Sunday.  A search is underway by ground and by air.  Authorities say Guthrie has physical limitations but a sharp mind.  Evidence reportedly points to her not leaving the home of her own accord.  

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