Crime/Public Safety

Thomaston Man Charged

(Thomaston)  A Thomaston man is charged with causing more than $32K dollars in damage during an April 10th incident at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports 22 yo Benjamin Witham complained his bed in the emergency room was uncomfortable. After being moved to a different room, he allegedly began throwing trash, pulled a television monitor off a stand, destroyed medical equipment, a computer, telephone, broke a sink, which flooded the room, and pulled cords out of the wall.  Police were able to handcuff Witham and transport him to the Knox County Jail.  Witham made an initial court appearance in Knox County on Monday.  He’s charged with aggravated criminal mischief, is required to take his prescribed medications, and cannot return to Pen Bay unless it is a medical emergency.  Witham is scheduled for a second court appearance in June.  

Ellsworth Man Arrested on Domestic Assault Charges

(Ellsworth)  An Ellsworth man indicted last week by a grand jury after he allegedly led a multi-agency police chase this winter was arrested again this week for alleged domestic assault and eluding an officer. The Bangor Daily News reports 29 yo Skylar Hughes was involved in a police pursuit in February that involved Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and Mount Desert officers.  Hughes was pursued first in his vehicle, then later fled on foot and was finally apprehended on MDI.  In a FB post last week, Hughes reportedly wrote he has “serious problems” and was getting medical treatment at a Bangor hospital.  Hughes was being held at the Hancock County Jail following the second arrest on April 14th.

Local Politics

Mainers Turn Out to Vote

(Maine)  There are many things about which Mainers can be proud, not the least of which being the state’s record of civic participation. According to the Portland Press Herald, Maine’s average voter participation was third highest in the country over the past four federal elections.  That’s based on ballots cast as a percentage of eligible voters and compiled by the nonpartisan Ballotpedia.  Figures indicate a 67.7% turnout across Maine in the last four federal elections.  Minnesota had the highest average at 70.2%, followed by Wisconsin at 68.4%.

Last Legislative Session Under Governor Mills

(Augusta)  It’s the last legislative session under Governor Janet Mills, who has seen Democratic control of the Legislature during her entire eight years in office.  The Portland Press Herald reports among measures approved this session – a program to track sexual assault forensic exam kits, new requirements around the use of artificial intelligence in political ads, making permanent Maine’s free community college program, and more funding for housing and rent relief in order to prevent evictions.  Of the 2,000 proposals considered by lawmakers this term, many went unapproved, including a long-debated digital privacy law, and a pilot program for cameras to automatically monitor speeding in highway construction zones.  

Beals Residents Vote to Exempt Town from Bowhunting Season Expansion

(Beals)  Residents of Beals at last week’s town meeting voted 35-8 to exempt the town from a state plan to expand bowhunting season from September to the end of muzzleloader season on the bridge-accessible islands of Beals.  While some expressed concern that Beals and Great Wass Islands are already overrun with deer, the Maine Monitor reports lifelong bowhunter Farrell Beal warned of the unintended consequences of the extension, saying it has brought potential massacre of deer to other towns.  He also worried an expanded season would draw hunters from across Maine to the islands.  

Economy

Developer of Ellsworth Condos Looks to Secure Funding

(Ellsworth)  The developer of a workforce housing project on Beals Avenue in Ellsworth will need to secure funding elsewhere after the City’s application for a public infrastructure grant was declined by the Office of Community Development.  The OCD expressed concern about the project’s timeline and suggested the city consider applying for Community Development Block Grant housing assistance once construction is “well underway”.  The Ellsworth American reports the project consists of eight two-story buildings with four to six single family units in each.  City Manager Charlie Pearce stressed the importance of the project, noting that while there is a strong pipeline of housing projects in Ellsworth, not all of them are affordable.  Pearce added, “We have thousands of people coming in every day using our services and living somewhere else.”

Community Closet Creates Reusable Bags

(Ellsworth)  Community Closet 207 in Ellsworth is creating their very own shopping bag, and you can help them by putting your name or logo on the bags.  Community Closet 207 provides free clothing, essentials and support to local families in need, and your support helps keep the doors open.  The bags will be used all over our community and beyond, helping spread awareness of the need … and your willingness to make a difference.  See the nonprofit’s post on FB or stop in their Water Street location and talk with the amazing Sarah Bowden about how to get in on the support.  

Infrastructure

ANP Closures

(ANP)  Just some reminders as the weather warms and the weekend approaches, there are still many closures at Acadia National Park.  While the Park Loop Road largely opened last Wednesday, the section  from Kebo Street to Sieur de Monts remains closed to all uses until June 12, except Memorial Day Weekend, due to road construction.  Detour signs are in place.  The Cadillac Summit Road is closed to all uses, including bicycles and pedestrians, also due to construction, through April 30th.  Hiking trails to the summit remain open.  Carriage roads are closed to all use to protect them through mud season, and multiple trails remain closed to protect nesting peregrine falcons, including Jordan Cliffs, Penobscot East, Precipice, and Valley Cove Trails and the parking lot for the Precipice Trail.  Visit n p s dot gov for updates.

Portland Jetport Cleared for Upgrades

(Portland)  Portland International Jetport has been cleared for takeoff of $10.8M in upgrades.  MaineBiz reports City Council approved the funding for improvements that include replacement of a 25 yo concrete apron and expansion of a hold area/de-icing pad.  Construction is expected to begin April 23 and wrap up in late November.  It’s the second phase of a major project that aims to enhance infrastructure and accommodate the airport’s growing passenger numbers.  Prior upgrades include three new jet bridges, the addition of ADA compliant restrooms, and a service animal relief area.  Last month, PIJ announced a new 10-year contract to overhaul dining options at the airport.  Also, on the airport’s wish list – a new public parking lot and plans for a garage extension.  

Major Road Project in Bangor to Begin Monday

(Bangor)  A major construction project will begin Monday on the Hogan Road in Bangor.  According to the Bangor Daily News the “diverging diamond interchange” will radically reshape traffic at the I-95 overpass and ramps.  The project has been hampered by numerous delays, but will begin April 20th with construction of a new bridge south of the existing bridges.  Crews expect few delays in the project’s early stages but say traffic on I-95 will be impacted July 1 to September 12 while crews install new drainage systems and move utility poles.  Once completed, the project will reportedly eliminate left-hand turns off the highway at the Exit 187 interchange, and drivers heading for I-95 north or south should no longer have to wait at stop lights before continuing on their way.  A protected pedestrian path is also planned.

Isle au Haut Seeks Road Repair Funding

(Isle au Haut)  ‘Tis the season … for potholes, frost heaves, and cracked pavement.  Island Ad-Vantages reports Isle au Haut’s roads are no exception, consisting of a patchwork of old and newer pavement and gravel.   The select board is planning to repave rough sections of road they say haven’t been resurfaced in a quarter of a century.  The town currently has about $130K saved to help pay for the paving, but Select Board Member Abigail Hiltz agreed that’s not a lot when talking about paving four and a half miles and paying for barging, which nearly doubles the cost of paving the island’s roads.  MDOT stopped maintaining the island’s roads in the 1990’s.  The town has applied for CDS funding and hopes voters will approve a new road capital improvement reserve fund at its April 27th town meeting.  Town officials say if that doesn’t come through, the select board will likely take out a low-interest state infrastructure bank loan through the Maine Department of Transportation.

Human Interest

2026 Jane’s Walks

(Ellsworth)  Heart of Ellsworth reports Jane’s Walk 2026 is shaping up to be a full one, with a lineup of walks on May 2nd that invite participants to explore Ellsworth through history, design, art, walkability, and community.  You can join one, stack two together, or make a day of it and follow along from morning to afternoon.  The May 2nd walks in Ellsworth begin at 9 A.M. at the Barn at Woodlawn.  Journey through time on a guided walk of Woodlawn’s historic grounds.  Various other walks throughout the day are scheduled along the Riverwalk, down Ellsworth’s Main Street, and more. Visit heart of ellsworth dot org for a local schedule, or janeswalk m e dot org to learn more.  

National News 04/17/26

Bondi Fails to Appear for Deposition

(Undated)  Former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for her scheduled deposition before Congress on Tuesday.  The House Oversight Committee had subpoenaed Bondi to testify regarding the Department of Justice’s handling of the Epstein files.  The Justice  Department informed the committee Bondi was not obligated to attend because she is no longer serving as Attorney General, a claim scoffed at by Democrats who say she was subpoenaed as an individual.  The deposition was part of a broader inquiry as to why the DOJ reportedly withheld or heavily redacted Epstein-related documents.  According to The Hill, Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas known for her tough stance as a former prosecutor, along with other Democrats, say they’ll move to hold Bondi in contempt.  Crockett wrote on X, “We couldn’t care less that she was fired from her job … she is responsible for leading the White House coverup of the Epstein files.”

Raskin Introduces Committee to Move Forward 25th Amendment

(Undated)  Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland this week introduced legislation to establish a 17-member bipartisan commission tasked with evaluating the capacity of the president to discharge the duties of the office under the 25th Amendment.  The Amendment allows Congress to form such a committee for such purpose, in lieu of the Vice President and Congress taking action.  The bill, with more than 50 co-sponsors, is aimed at assessing President Donald Trump and determining whether he is fit – either mentally or physically – to perform his sworn duties. The move comes as Trump appears to become more and more erratic, threatening this month to destroy an entire civilization, to commit war crimes, and depicting himself as Jesus healing a sick man.  Raskin, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, described the legislation as a matter of national security.  

USPS Plans Price Hikes

(The US Sun)  The US Postal Service is set to begin implementing nationwide price hikes, effective July 12th.  According to The US Sun, those changes include a 4-cent increase for standard stamps to 82 cents and a new $1.75 fee for certain mail.  The changes are in part to address more than $25 billion in losses since 2021.  Sources speculate the new $1.75 charge is set to hit every American looking to use the mail service.  Postmaster General David Steiner recently said the Postal Service will run out of money by February 2027.  The changes are especially concerning for rural Mainers, many of whom are older and who rely on mail service for medications, and even checks and bills.  Mail volume dropped by 50% between 2008 and 2023 as more people moved to communicating online.

© 2026 Downeast Digest News.  All rights reserved.