Crime/Public Safety

Authorities Urge Caution About Unattended Persons, Pets in Hot Cars

(Augusta)  Truly warm days may seem a ways off, but the Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers vehicular heatstroke in the U.S. is the leading cause of non-crash related deaths for children 14 and younger.  They say being left unattended in a hot car is dangerous for people and pets.  Since 1998, vehicular heatstroke has killed more than a thousand children nationwide.  Experts say make it a habit to look in the back seat every time you exit the car.  Leave your purse and keys in the back as a reminder.  Also, never leave a person or pet unattended, and teach children to honk the horn loudly in order to get attention if necessary.  Even seemingly cooler outside temperatures, especially on sunny days, make closed vehicles heat up to dangerous levels quickly.  They say if you’re a concerned bystander, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Stockton Springs Fire Ruled Accidental 

(Stockton Springs)  A Saturday evening structure fire in Stockton Springs has been ruled accidental.  The Fire Marshal’s Office tells Downeast Digest, firefighters were called to 32 Station Street shortly after 5:30 p.m., where they encountered the blaze coming from a heavily engulfed two-and-a-half story camp-style residence that officials say was unoccupied.  The fire was brought under control without damage to nearby structures on the property.  No injuries were reported.  Following an investigation, officials have determined the fire originated from a propane wall-mounted heater.

Glenburn House Fire Ruled Accidental

(Glenburn)  A house fire in the Penobscot County town of Glenburn has been ruled accidental.  Officials say the Glenburn Fire Department responded to the blaze shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday and was able to contain the fire to the home’s basement.  An investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was the result of a MAP gas container that had been knocked over in close proximity to a woodstove, causing it to ignite.  They say as the homeowner attempted to move the container away from the fire, it was inadvertently pushed beneath a wooden workbench, which then also ignited.  The homeowner suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.  Several other departments provided mutual aid, including the Kenduskeag, Levant, Bangor, Air National Guard and Hermon Fire Departments,  

Local Politics

Washington County Farmers Face Economic Uncertainty

(Augusta)  In spite of the fact Washington County blueberry growers and other farmers were hit hard by last year’s drought, they won’t see a proposal for relief funds on the November ballot, leading to mounting economic uncertainty.  According to the Maine Monitor, lawmakers made several attempts to revive a bill that would have directed a $45M bond into existing grant and low-interest loan programs for farmers and the forestry sector.  Legislators reportedly even introduced an amendment to fold the farm and forestry funding into another bill, but the legislative session ended last month with the proposal stalled.

Economy

Habitat Breaks Ground on 21st Home

(Blue Hill)  Hancock County Habitat for Humanity on Saturday broke ground on their 21st new home.  According to The Weekly Packet, the three bedroom home to be constructed at 20 Carter Way in Blue Hill was designed by local architect Mike Sealander. Habitat for Humanity partners with economically disadvantaged individuals and families in hopes of eliminating poverty and making decent, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action.  They hope to finish the house by the fall of 2026 and welcome volunteer time and skill or donations of funds in order to help continue their mission.  

Buck Memorial Library Seeks Local Support

(Bucksport)  Bucksport councilors opted not to include funding for the Buck Memorial Library in the proposed 2026-27 town budget, which awaits council approval – a blow to the library which received $30K for operating costs in the current town budget and which had requested $20K this year.  The library board, in a letter to the editor, said they hoped to continue providing the same services to the community, but the cuts could result in changes.  The River Observer reports the library is able to draw on an endowment to fund ⅔ of its yearly budget, but will now more than ever rely on community support.  Director Lisa Ladd said library funding overall has become even more challenging with federal and state sources drying up.  If you wish to support them, please visit bucklibrary.org/donate.

Paid Family and Medical Leave

(Augusta)  As of May 1st, thousands of Mainers are, for the first time, eligible to take paid time off from work for life events and return to work without penalty. The Portland Press Herald reports more than 2K Mainers have already pre-applied for benefits.  Any employee in Maine can take up to twelve weeks off work for family or medical events, including childbirth, infant care, injury, or family caregiving duties, while still receiving a portion of their wages.  Applicants must notify their employer at least 30 days in advance if foreseeable and can upload supporting documents through the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave portal at Maine dot gov.

Education

Small Town Decides to Close School

(Topsfield)  With enrollment down to just five students, the small Washington County town of Topsfield last week voted to close its school, choosing to send students elsewhere.  The Maine Monitor reports residents voted 42 to 18 to shutter the East Range II School.  They say high costs began to drive students from out of town elsewhere.  School district officials projected it would cost nearly $500K per year to keep the school open. The school board is expected to finalize the closure plan and weigh what to do with staff at a May 7th meeting.  With East Range closing at the end of this school year, students next year will likely be bused to schools in Princeton or Baileyville, about 30 minutes south.  The future of the building itself is uncertain, but residents have suggested turning it into a senior center or community hub.

Teacher Appreciation Week

(Undated)  Educator, counselor, listening ear, protector, nurse, and sometimes stand-in parent.  Those are just a few of the roles required of today’s teachers.  Now through Friday, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, with today being National Teacher Day.  More than a fifth of K-12 teachers say they’re finding it more and more difficult to get by on their teacher salary, especially here in Maine where salaries are some of the lowest in the country.  Side jobs are common, with USA Today reporting nearly half of teachers who say they are struggling financially say they have second jobs unrelated to education; 85% of those say they work at side jobs at least partially during the school year.  Here’s to teachers everywhere who are increasingly asked to do more with less – may you be showered with gift cards, sincere thank you’s and the support and appreciation you deserve this week and throughout the year.

Environment

Halley’s Comet to Put on Show

(Earth)  Skywatchers could be treated to quite the show overnight tonight and tomorrow.  The 2026 Eta Aquarid meteor shower is caused by debris from Halley’s comet.  It peaks May 5th and 6th.  These meteors are known for being very fast, leaving glowing streaks as they enter Earth’s atmosphere and, astronomers say, making them some of the most beautiful to observe.  While the Eta Aquarid can produce up to 50 or more meteors per hour, a bright, nearly full moon may hinder visibility, making early morning hours before dawn the best time to watch this year. Southern Hemisphere observers will have the best view, but we won’t be totally shut out. Scientists say look toward the constellation Aquarius.  Halley’s Comet is not due to return to the inner solar system until 2061.

Health

UMaine Students Track Running Shoe Wear

(Orono)  With the weather finally turning nicer, more folks are lacing up their running shoes and getting ready for those local 5Ks and/or distance runs.  Most have had to rely on experience in order to know when to replace shoes that have seen too many miles. Now a group of University of Maine students is designing a device they say will help runners know more accurately when to replace shoes in order to prevent stress fractures, shin splints, and other injuries. Seacoastonline reports four biomedical engineering students are developing an indicator that measures structural changes in footwear over time, helping runners make more informed decisions about when to reliably replace runners’ most valuable piece of equipment.  Stay tuned.

Infrastructure

Franklin Street Parklet to Close

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth will once again transform a portion of Franklin Street into the parklet – a community space for gathering, enjoying lunch, dinner, concerts, and more, during the spring and summer seasons. City officials say the work to put the parklet together will begin this coming Monday, with crews placing plantings, seating, and other park amenities – watch for the “Open for Business” signs shortly thereafter.  To make way for the welcoming outdoor space in the heart of downtown, the connector will be closed to vehicle traffic and parking for the season beginning Sunday, May 10th. 

Human Interest

Where in the World Winner

(Undated)  Congratulations to Sharon Monahan of Sorrento, last week’s winner of Where in the  World is Sonnie?  Like many, Sharon plays every week, so we were so happy to mail her a $25 gift card to Sweet Cheeks Diner in Bucksport – which just happened to be last week’s location.  This week, we headed to the coastal home of Maine Maritime Academy and arrived on a rainy Saturday to find it was graduation day for MMA students and their families.  Our post is up on FB and Instagram, so keep those guesses coming in – this week, we have another $25 gift card donated by Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato Shoppe – an every Saturday destination for us as we hit the road!  Be sure to enter by Midnight Friday at the link provided for your chance to win!

Maine Atlas and Gazetteer Still in Print

(Undated)  When’s the last time you used a physical atlas?  Apparently, it’s not that rare.  The Portland Press Herald reports despite the prevalence of GPS, the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer is still in print and considered essential for finding remote locations, including North Woods Maine campsites, logging roads, and fishing spots in areas without cell service.  The reference book continues to offer detailed, large-format color topographic maps of the entire state of Maine.  Published by Garmin, under the DeLorme (duh-LORM) umbrella, the Atlas remains available at major retailers. In fact, the 96-pager is considered a staple in Maine vehicles and cabins. There is a digital version available for use in the Avenza Maps app … as long as you have service.

National News

Iran War Update

(AP)  In National News, the United Arab Emirates Monday said it came under attack from Iran for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold early last month.  Officials say an Iranian drone sparked a fire at a key oil facility, and the British military reported two cargo vessels ablaze off the UAE.  The Associated Press reports the attacks appear to be in response to Trump’s latest efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.  Earlier yesterday, the U.S. reported two American-flagged merchant ships had successfully navigated the strait as part of a new safeguarding initiative. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. military said it battled Iranian forces, sinking six small boats.  Trump is claiming the war has been terminated due to the ceasefire, allowing him to skirt the War Powers Resolution, which requires Congressional authorization of military action that extends beyond 60 days and which Trump calls “unconstitutional”.

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