Crime/Public Safety

Washington County Sheriff’s Office Member Retires

(Machias)  Luther Choate devoted more than half a century to a career in law enforcement.  Choate began his career January 1st, 1974, and worked for eight different sheriffs, but told current Washington County Sheriff Barry Curtis, who has decided not to run for re-election, he would retire when Curtis did.  This week, Choate made it official. In recent years, Choate was responsible for serving civil process in Western Washington County.  They say if you didn’t want to be found, it typically didn’t matter.  Luther would find you.  A former competitive shooter with a revolver, Choate could shoot near perfect scores into his 80s.  Congratulations, and well done, Sir.

Thomaston Resident Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Border Patrol Agent

(Augusta)  A Thomaston resident has pleaded guilty to assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent.  The Bangor Daily News reports 24 yo Olivia Wilkins was driving on Route 17 in the town of Washington on August 27 when she came across a box truck crash, which agents were responding to, along with Maine State Police and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.  The box truck’s four occupants were suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.  Wilkins reportedly exchanged words with officers and when told to leave allegedly accelerated toward an agent who was detaining one of the occupants.  Reports say she stopped and veered away when a state trooper drew a gun.  Officers pursued Wilkins, who was taken into custody.  Wilkins faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250K and up to three years of supervised release when sentenced later this month.

Skowhegan Town Manager Was Suspect in Child Exploitation Case

(Skowhegan)  The Skowhegan Town Manager who passed away unexpectedly this week was reportedly a suspect in a child exploitation case.  According to the Maine Department of Public Safety, the MSP Special Victims Unit received a tip earlier this month that originated with a 14 yo girl in Florida who reported inappropriate online communication with an adult male.  Investigators identified the man as 32 yo Nicholas Nadeau of Winslow, who was serving as Skowhegan Town Manager.  During the early phase of the investigation, they say they found evidence consistent with sexual exploitation offenses.  Because of Nadeau’s death, officials say the case has been closed and no charges will be filed.   

Local Politics

Ellsworth Chamber Business Community Forum

(Ellsworth)  Join Ellsworth City leaders Friday morning, April 3rd, at the Moore Community Center for a discussion of the State of the City of Ellsworth.  Presented by the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Downeast Graphics and Printing, the forum will provide an update on Ellsworth’s progress and priorities.  City Manager Charlie Pearce and Council Chair Patrick Lyons will review key accomplishments from 2025 and outline their strategic focus for 2026 and beyond.  Presenters say it will be an open conversation and that they want a community perspective on what’s working, what needs improvement, and how to continue strengthening Ellworth’s business environment while staying aligned with the City’s long-term vision.  That’s Friday, April 3rd, at 8 a.m. at the Moore Community Center.  

Economy

Dysart’s Buys Bucksport Industrial Site

(Bucksport)  Dysart’s has purchased a long-vacant industrial site along the Penobscot River in Bucksport.  The Bangor Daily News reports plans for the property are unclear, but the sale coincides with a separate proposal from another company to revive dormant freight rail lines between Bucksport and Bangor.  The 13.5 acre Bucksport site has deep water access to the river and proximity to town utilities.  Town officials say it’s a good sign for Bucksport as the Hermon-based Dysart family, best known for its truck stops, is “well-known and very responsible”.  

NH Based Company Hopes to Revive Freight Rail Service

(Bucksport)  In related news, New Hampshire-based TransloadX has begun the process of taking over a dormant freight rail line connecting Bangor and Bucksport and another between Augusta and Waterville.  The Federal Transportation Board must approve the lease proposal. The Bucksport branch has gone mostly unused since the 2014 closure of the Verso Paper Mill.  A Transload X spokesperson told the Bangor Daily News, the company’s goal is to work collaboratively to rebuild rail infrastructure, attract new rail-served industries, and strengthen Maine’s industrial and logistics economy.  According to the filing, if  the process is completed, Transload X will assume common carrier obligations to service customers located along the lines and develop new rail served business.  

Flagg Pushes New Balance to Price Sneakers as Affordable for All

(Newport)  Reports are suggesting, though not confirmed, that basketball phenom and Newport native Cooper Flagg is pushing New Balance to price his upcoming signature sneakers at $35 in order to make them accessible to young fans.  The suggested price point is a reported goal for the future and not a currently available product associated with the Maverick’s player.  Flagg’s initial “Maine Roots” shoe launched at just under $120 in October.  Some previous, less expensive versions of his shoes recently dropped to around $58, reminiscent of Shaquille O’Neal’s affordable shoe lines.

NE Harbor Hotel Sold Amidst Bankruptcy Filing

(NE Harbor)  The owner of the Asticou Inn in NE Harbor has signed an agreement to sell the hotel. Tim Harrington, who also owns a number of other hotels and glampgrounds along the coast, was reportedly forced into bankruptcy after numerous contractors filed liens against the luxury hotel that Harrington had renovated in 2023 and 24.  Legal complaints allege Harrington shorted his contractors some $14M in materials and services during the renovation.  The Asticou was sold to a subsidiary of Ocean Properties, which also owns the Harborside Hotel, Spa and Marina, the West Street Hotel, and the Bar Harbor Regency in Bar Harbor, for a bit under $61M.

Northport Select Board Votes for Moratorium to Preserve Blueberry Barren

(Northport)  The Northport Select Board this week voted to put a 180-day moratorium on new commercial campgrounds and RV resorts to a town vote.  The move is in response to reports a Massachusetts couple wants to build an RV park on a Beech Hill Road property popular with hikers, stargazers, and photographers.  The Bangor Daily News reports the resort would be located on a blueberry barren and could eventually include up to 80 sites, glamping domes, and a wellness retreat.  The property’s new owners have posted “No Trespassing” signs, because they say residents are taking selfies to use as a smear campaign against the project.

NonProfits Awarded Grants from Bangor Savings Bank

(Maine)  Eighteen Maine non-profits have been awarded grants from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation.  MaineBiz reports the grants include $2K each to the Common Good Soup Kitchen in Southwest Harbor and Families First Community Center in Ellsworth, $3300 to Swan’s Island First Aid, and $5K to the Waterville Soup Pantry.  Other awards went to libraries, health centers, The Children’s Museum and Theatre in Portland, and other initiatives that strengthen community well-being.

Education

Educators Turn to Oral Exams to Combat AI Cheating

(AP)  A growing number of college professors is turning to oral exams as a method of combatting cheating through Artificial Intelligence, or AI.  College instructors across the US say take home essays come back perfect; but when students are asked to explain their work, they can’t.  At Cornell University, students articulate what they learn through two types of oral assessments – mock interviews and video presentations.  In a biomedical engineering class, students are required to speak directly to instructor Chris Schaffer in what he calls an “oral defense”.  Proponents say it’s a testing method as old as Socrates, making a comeback in the age of AI – no laptop, not chatbot, no technology of any kind.  Sources say the long-term impact of AI use on critical thinking remains to be seen; but the need now exists to teach students that the hard work of “thinking” is not optional.

Age Friendly Sullivan 

(Sullivan)  Sullivan is one of a growing number of age friendly communities – communities that provide support and resources for the young and aging to thrive withIN those communities.  Next Wednesday, join them for a program to learn more about SNAP and HEAP benefits, furnace repair and replacement, weatherization services and home safety and security repairs offered by Community Action of Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties.  ACAP CEO Jason Parent will be on hand to talk about the application process, eligibility guidelines, and reapplication tips.  With the cost of all types of heating going up, now’s the time to prepare for next winter.  The meeting begins at 8:30 with refreshments and social time, and everyone is welcome.  

Human Interest

Seven Dogs Find Way Home

(China)  Finally, this story that’s gone viral on the internet is reminiscent of the Incredible Journey, but sources around the world are confirming it as true.  A man in China was driving along a busy road in a northeast province, when he spotted seven dogs walking in formation.  A little corgi led the pack and kept looking back at an injured German Shepherd, a Golden Retriever, a Labrador, a Pekingese, and two others.  The pack walked slowly, in subzero temperatures, in pace with the Shepherd, who they surrounded and seemed to shield. Turns out the dogs were pets who freely roamed a village 17 km, or 10 and a half miles away and who all disappeared at once. Most likely, the dogs were stolen by the dog meat trade, taken away in a truck.  The pack somehow managed to escape and stuck together to find their way back home. The Chinese government is denying the story, embarrassed that the dog meat trade still exists.   We’ve posted the viral video on our social media so you can decide for yourself.

Jonathan Fisher House Looking for Volunteer Guides

(Blue Hill)  Jonathan Fisher was perhaps to Blue Hill what John and George Nixon Black were to Ellsworth – both were historical figures that figure prominently into their respective town’s histories.  The Jonathan Fisher House is looking for volunteer tour guides for the July 5th through October 12th season, folks who want to help share why the house matters, not just to history, but to the Blue Hill community today.  No experience necessary; just curiosity and an interest in connecting people to a truly unique place.  Email contact at jonathan fisher house dot org to learn more.

National News 03/26/26

Minnesota Sues Trump Administration

(AP)  Minnesota officials this week filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, demanding access to evidence they say they need in order to independently investigate three shootings by federal officers that included the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.  According to the Associated Press, the Justice Department in January said it was opening a federal civil rights investigation into Pretti’s killing, but claimed a similar federal probe wasn’t warranted in the case of Good.  The lawsuit claims the federal government reneged on its promise to cooperate with state investigators.  Attorneys for Minnesota say a lack of confidence in the federal government’s review of the incidents makes the state’s independent investigations into the shootings especially important.  

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