Crime/Public Safety

Skowhegan Man Arrested 

(Skowhegan)  Authorities on Wednesday  arrested a Skowhegan man in connection with a February 2nd shooting in Augusta. Thirty year old Edward Longley is charged with Murder and Elevated Aggravated Assault in connection with the shooting death of 51 yo Billyjack Curtis of Augusta.  A second victim, 40 yo Sherry Gilley of Brunswick, was injured in the shooting and is recovering.  Longley was taken into custody shortly before 2:15 yesterday afternoon and is being held without bail in the Somerset County Jail.

Waterville Fire

(Waterville)  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a March 17th fire that occurred at a residence on Aubrey Street.  The fire was reported about 10:30 Tuesday morning. Authorities concluded the blaze was caused by improper disposal of oil-based staining rags placed in a trash bag and left on a porch. Officials say the porch sustained heavy fire damage.  They say when confined, staining rags can spontaneously combust and cause a fire and caution such items should be disposed of outside a residence or garage, ideally submerged in a bucket of water or laid out flat to dry on a non-combustible surface.

Local Politics

Bucksport Considers Defunding Non-profits

(Bucksport)  If you live in Bucksport and utilize any number of the town’s nonprofits – the Buck Memorial Library, the YMCA, the Senior Center, the food pantry – you’ll want to make your voice heard tonight at 6 p.m. at the town office.  Town officials are reportedly looking for ways to cut taxes and create a sustainable budget, with one option being considered no longer funding the town’s nonprofits. Sources tell Downeast Digest in any given year, between 15 and 20 nonprofits make their case for funding in early April, with a total cost to the town of about $85,000 per year.  Citizens say it is a small part of the annual budget – but a huge part of what makes Bucksport liveable.  So if you think nonprofits are an important part of your community, show up tonight and share your voice.

Lubec Discusses Smokehouse Relocation, Marathon

(Lubec)  Moving and a marathon were on the agenda at the recent Select Board meeting in Lubec.  Among other topics, the Board heard about plans for this year’s Bay of Fundy International Marathon.  Race officials say registrations have already exceeded last year, with the half marathon already closed.  Last year’s marathon raised more than $19K for local nonprofits.  The Board also heard from members of Lubec Landmarks.  The group hopes to relocate the McCurdy Smokehouse to land currently occupied by the Peacock warehouse complex on Water Street.  If approved for federal funding, The Maine Monitor reports the project would begin next spring and could take about three years to complete.

Economy

Local Cafe Launches Warm Hearts Fund

(Bucksport)  Times are tough for everyone.  Inflation is hitting hard, gas prices continue to skyrocket, and winter hangs on, meaning so does the need for warmth.  A cafe in Bucksport is serving up a way for neighbors to help neighbors, with the launch of the Warm Hearts Fund.  The mission was the brainchild of Kelley Barrett, owner of The Phoenix Cafe, who says she recognizes that sometimes no matter how hard people try, they simply can’t make ends meet.  Patrons of the cafe and others can contribute to the fund, and every time it reaches $500, Kelley donates it to a local nonprofit.  They recently donated their first $500 to the Downeast Wood Bank in Surry.  To contribute, visit the Phoenix Cafe website.  And stop in for a generous helping of kindness and some of the best food in Maine.  We guarantee you won’t walk away hungry … and perhaps neither will your neighbor in need.

Ellsworth Public Library Seeks to Grow with the Community.

(Ellsworth)  Since 2023, attendance at programs at the Ellsworth Public Library has roughly doubled, reaching more than 10K participants a year, with annual visits at 73,000 per year.  That’s enough to fill Fenway Park twice, writes Director Sarah Lesko.  But along with growing attendance, comes growing needs, and growing pains.  The library is housed in a beautiful but 130 year old building.  It’s not ADA accessible.  And over the past three years, failing heating and cooling systems, outdated plumbing and wiring, and fire safety equipment have cost EPL more than $50K in temporary repairs.  The library has gathered input from residents and consulted with a design firm to bring things up to code, up to efficiency standards, and add much needed space, at a cost of approximately $5.87M.  Much of that will be covered by a loan from the city and hopefully with federal funding.  Watch for updates, and help keep our library growing with our community..

Maine State Chamber to Present Economic Impact of War in Iran

(Augusta)  The Maine State Chamber of Commerce will delve into the Middle East conflict’s wider impact on the cost of heating oil, natural gas, and electricity at an April 8th webinar.  The Chamber noted in an email promoting the event, “The Iranian conflict has had massive implications on global energy markets,” noting Maine and New England have a unique exposure to these global markets.  The webinar is set for 9 a.m. on April 8th.  Learn more at maine chamber dot org.

Human Interest

Groups Plan for Small Version of Bucksport Bay Festival

(Bucksport)  Because the town decided it could no longer fund the Bucksport Bay Festival, residents feared it to be a total loss. But the River Observer reports there will be a festival in July again this year – just one that is very scaled back.  The committee in charge says there will be no alcohol, bounce house, or parade.  But a fun run is planned to benefit the Bucksport Animal Shelter; and the town’s police, fire, marina code enforcement departments have given their approval for the event.  In addition, businesses have mentioned holding events on their own properties on the same day, with 50% of vendor fees donated to the town.  The Bucksport Bay Festival itself reportedly cost the town $28K, plus overtime pay, including staffing for the parade and fireworks display.

Saturday at the Ellsworth Public Library

(Ellsworth)  Got the itch to get planting?  Check out the third annual seed swap, this Saturday from 10 to 1 at the Ellsworth Public Library.  Gardeners and plant lovers of all ages will have the chance to get expert advice from master gardeners from Native Gardens of Blue Hill and the Ellsworth Garden Club.  While you’re there, pick up some gardening books at the Friends’ library sale.  Bring your seeds to share with others, or swap them for something new and unexpected for your own garden.  Come back at 2 as the League of Women Voters presents a screening of the historic 1976 convention speech by Representative Barbara Jordan, a leader in the American Civil Rights movement and the first woman to deliver a keynote convention speech – part of a special IndieLens series, presented by the Ellsworth Public Library.

Non-Profit Leader Recognized

(Augusta)  Jennifer Hutchins, Executive Director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits, was recognized last evening with the “She Unites” award.  The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce presented the award, noting Hutchins’s leadership and impact across the state’s nonprofit community.  MaineBiz reports Hutchins is also among four women who will be honored in this year’s edition of the annual WE Rock! award, celebrating female professionals for making a powerful and lasting impact across the region.

Woodlawn Membership Drive

(Ellsworth)  It’s another Winter Market this Saturday at the Barn at Woodlawn from 10 until 1. And that’s the perfect time to renew your membership … or perhaps join for the first time!  Why become a member?  First and foremost, Ellsworth wouldn’t be what it is today apart from the John and George Nixon Black family.  So the history of Woodlawn, is the history of Ellsworth.  And when you become a member, you not only support the museum and grounds, you own a piece of that history.  Memberships are available to fit every budget and come with a variety of perks, from tours of the Black House, to discounts at the gift shop, and more.  Become a member today, or ask about membership at Saturday’s winter market.  Woodlawn ellsworth dot org.

Crossing Guard Hangs Up Vest at Age 83

(South Portland)  For some 15 years, Thom Schmaling has been a familiar sight to parents dropping their kids at school in South Portland.  Wearing his neon yellow vest, he’s guarded kids across the intersection of Froswick Avenue and Main Street with a red stop sign in one hand, a cane in another – day in and day out, in all types of weather.  This week, at the age of 83, the iconic crossing guard is passing the torch.  The Portland Press Herald reports Schmaling knows the name of every student and the names of their pets, daily warning them to be careful, cautioning that their parents wouldn’t be happy to see them come home with tire tracks on their clothes.  Schmaling, who lost his niece in a truck accident, was known for passing out gloves to kids who didn’t have them on cold mornings. The city is currently looking for a replacement – one we suspect they’ll have a hard time finding.

National News 03/19/26

United States Only Nation to Not Reaffirm Women’s Rights

(Undated)  For the first time in 70 years, the United Nations broke from consensus for the global reaffirmation of women’s rights.  Thirty-seven nations voted in favor, one voted against.  Not some theocracy guided by Shari’a law.  No, the one dissenting country was the United States of America, which broke from the UN because of language that included diversity, equity, and inclusion, spoke of the effects of climate change on women, and recognized the reproductive health rights of women and girls.  The move by the US under the Trump administration underscores the rollback of reproductive rights, defunding of international programs that address gender equity and violence, and domestic policy shifts that seek to erase DEI initiatives here in the United States and further isolates the country from human rights, especially for women and girls.

February Price Spikes

(AP)  U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February, driven partly by a sharp increase in food costs.  The Labor Department on Wednesday reported the inflation index rose point seven percent from January and three-point-four percent from February 2025.  According to the Associated Press, the year over year increase was the most in the past twelve months.  The cost hikes were bigger than economists had forecast and occurred before the U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran pushed energy prices sharply higher.

Cuba Restores Power After Blackout

(Cuba)  The country of Cuba was without power for nearly 30 hours this week due to a nationwide blackout blamed partly on a United States move to choke off the island’s fuel supply.  Reuters reports as of Wednesday, the country had reconnected its power grid and brought back online its largest oil-fired power plant.  Officials said power shortages could continue because not enough electricity is being generated.  President Trump cut off oil sales to Cuba and threatened to take over the Communist-run island saying this week he could do anything he wanted with the country.  Grid failures are not uncommon in Cuba, and the country has yet to confirm what caused Monday’s islandwide grid failure.

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