Crime/Public Safety
Search Continues for Missing Paddleboarder on Graham Lake
(Ellsworth) Authorities yesterday continued to search for a missing paddleboarder on Graham Lake in Ellsworth. According to press releases, the 20 year old man is believed to have left his family camp on a paddleboard between 10 and 11:30 Tuesday morning and may not have been wearing a life jacket. Members of the Ellsworth Police and Fire Departments first responded to the area after receiving a report of a person in distress and searched the lake with drones and watercraft. Members of the Maine Warden Service, Maine Forest Service, and Maine State Police/Marine Patrol were then called in and continued the search with a helicopter and dive teams. The Maine Warden Service continues to lead the search efforts.
St. Albans Arson Arrest
(St. Albans) A 61 yo St. Albans woman has been charged with arson in connection with an April 17th fire in St. Albans. Authorities tell Downeast Digest, fire investigators were called to a Grant Road residence that morning after officials with the St. Albans Fire Department determined a blaze there was of a suspicious nature. After conducting interviews and a review of the scene, investigators determined the fire had been intentionally set. An arrest warrant was issued for Lisa Hall on charges of Arson and Domestic Violence Assault after it was discovered Hall had assaulted her husband prior to the fire. Hall was located in Bangor Tuesday and taken to the Penobscot County Jail, where she was being held on $10K bond.
Waldo County Arson Arrest
(Knox) Another arson arrest – this one in the Waldo County town of Knox includes attempted murder charges. Authorities say about 10:43 Monday night, a 9-1-1 call came in from a person at 1647 Bailey Road reporting a fire at the residence. Deputies from the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office responded, along with the Knox Fire Department. The home’s occupants had managed to suppress the fire, which was contained primarily to a single bedroom, before crews arrived, but suspicious circumstances led to the State Fire Marshal’s Office being called in. They then determined the fire had been intentionally set. 41 yo Jessica Allsop, who had been temporarily staying at the home was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Arson, and Violation of Conditions of Release. Allsop was taken to the Waldo County Jail where she was held without bail. The home’s two other occupants and their dogs were all able to escape without injury.
Annual Maine Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service
(Augusta) The Maine Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Augusta, dedicated in 1991, serves as a tribute to fallen officers who chose to serve others and who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each year, an observance is held at the memorial, attended by police officers from across the state, families of the fallen, dignitaries, and members of the public. This year’s ceremony is planned for Tuesday, May 12, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Memorial, located on State Street near the state capitol. This year, an additional name has been added – that of Perley C. Kennie of the Westbrook Police Department. Kennie died August 11, 1966, after suffering a heart attack while on duty, as he carried a pregnant woman to the emergency room at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Rockland Council Seeks to Narrow Down Site for New Police Station
(Rockland) Rockland City Council members are discussing the possible sale of the current police station, and have narrowed down options for the location of a new station. The Pen Bay Pilot reports of the three sites – 5 Payne Avenue, 170 Pleasant Street, and 12 Water Street, the Water Street location appears to be the best option, largely because it would be affordable without going to citizens to borrow funds. For expediency, the Water Street rental with option to purchase would be available in six months, following retrofitting to police business. City Manager Tom Luttrell noted at the Water Street facility, they’d be moving into a brand new building that if they were able to purchase would be even better. Luttrell and Police Chief Tim Carroll will be available to meet with the public to discuss the importance of the new station tonight at 5 p.m. in Council Chambers in Rockland City Hall.
Local Politics
Medicaid Work Requirement Changes
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will soon roll out new Medicaid work requirements set to launch in 2027. The Portland Press Herald reports the new policy will require certain Medicaid recipients to work at least 80 hours per month, attend school, or volunteer. In Maine, the requirements would apply to about 90K adults. The state estimates that as a result of the new policy, more than 31,000 people could lose coverage.
Economy
Gas Prices Continue to Soar
(Undated) Gas prices continue to soar as the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz drags on, following the invasion of Iran by the United States and Israel on February 28th. Statewide, regular gas averaged $4.48 a gallon, premium shot up to $5.48, and diesel hit a high of $5.82. Get ready for those prices to spill over into an already inflation-burdened economy. The Portland Press Herald reports experts warn rising diesel prices could affect the cost of groceries, dry goods, and other industries that require the fuel to produce or ship goods.
Ellsworth Could See Public Restrooms Downtown
(Ellsworth) As Ellsworth continues to grow and tourists discover the city as a “go-to” destination, the need for a place to “go at” downtown becomes … well, a more urgent matter. The Ellsworth American reports the downtown area could see two new public restrooms by summer’s end, should City Council vote to approve their construction at an upcoming meeting. The bathrooms would be located on the northeast side of City Hall plaza, would be year-round, climate-controlled and ADA accessible, although they would close at dusk. A public hearing will be included in discussions about adding the two restrooms during the May 18th regular council meeting. Funding for the project could be distributed from TIF funds budgeted for FY 2027. If it all comes together, let’s hope the city “goes” with it.
Vacant House Offered by Blue Hill Library Slated for Demolition
(Blue Hill) Free house – all you have to do is move it. That was the offer for a vacant house at 13 Parker Point Road in Blue Hill. But the Blue Hill Library, which was offering the structure, said that while they had inquiries, there were no serious takers. Library Director Rich Boulet said because of that, the house will likely be demolished as early as next week. According to the Ellsworth American, the lot on which the house sits has been part of the library’s plan to expand its campus and outdoor offerings. The library is also looking for someone to buy the nearby former hospital building and renovate it into a new use, once the library completes an existing conditions survey and goes through the subdivision process.
Environment
Bear Season
(Augusta) The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is calling on folks to help keep bears wild as they wake from their winter slumber with empty stomachs and little patience. They say natural food is still limited in early spring, so bears are actively roaming and looking for easy calories. Experts caution homeowners to remove birdfeeders, rake up any fallen seed, keep pet food and trash inside or in fenced areas, clean grills thoroughly after each use, and store garbage securely, with outbuilding doors firmly secured. They say bears’ recovery period lasts two to three weeks, and those few simple steps now can make a big difference in preventing unwanted visits and keeping both bears and people safe.
Friends of KWW to Meet at Fogtown in Ellsworth
(Ellsworth) The gates of Katahdin Woods and Waters will spring open at the end of the month, and you’re invited to meet Friends’ Executive Director Brian Hinrichs, along with other staff, board members, and volunteers at the beer garden at Fogtown Brewing in Ellsworth this coming Monday. Swing in anytime between 4:30 and 6 for pizza and a pint, mingle with members to ask questions about camping, hiking, paddling, and the new Tekakapimek station. Maps and other resources will be available, and Friends of KWW say the pizza is on them. Everyone is welcome – register ahead at friends of k w w dot org.
MDEP Denies Certification for Dams
(Ellsworth) The Maine Department of Environmental Protection this week issued a draft order denying the latest water quality certification application for the Ellsworth Hydroelectric Project. MDEP concluded the dams, managed by Black Bear Hydro Partners, LLC, under the auspices of Brookfield Renewable, failed to meet standards for fish passage and habitat, as well as other classifications. Environmental groups have for years expressed concern about the impact of the dams on aquatic life in the river, including reported incidents of mass fish kills
Health
Maine EMS Seeks State Medical Director Applicants
(Augusta) After 17 years serving as Associate State Medical Director and State Medical Director with Maine EMS, Dr. Matthew Sholl has decided to step down. Maine EMS is seeking applications for the EMS State Medical Director position. Among responsibilities, they say the Director should attend all Maine EMS Board and other meetings, establish an agenda and provide updates, act as a resource for the Maine EMS Staff and Board, and lead the Maine EMS protocol review process. Additional information can be found in the Maine EMS State Medical Director Job Description at the link we’ve shared with this story on our website, downeastdigest.news. Interested parties should mail a cover letter and CV no later than the close of business on June 1st, with an expected start date of July 1st.
Mail information to Dr. Matthew Sholl (shollm@mac.com) and State Director Wil O’Neal (wil.o’neal@maine.gov). Description at content.govdelivery.com.
Human Interest
Nominations Sought for Most Endangered Historic Places
(Augusta) Maine Preservation is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Most Endangered Historic Places list. Since 1996, Maine has released such lists in order to boost local efforts and focus positive media attention in an effort to preserve threatened places throughout the state. To be eligible, a property must be located in Maine, culturally, historically and/or architecturally significant, and at least 50 years old, substantially threatened but savable, and supported by a local group advocating for the future of the site, and one that can partner with Maine Preservation. Previous listings have included bridges, mill buildings, churches, neighborhoods, schools, and more. Nominations are due June 5th, with forms available at the link we’ve posted with this story on our website, downeastdigest.news
High Tea at Trenton Grange
(Trenton) Grab a friend and plan for a deliciously fun afternoon! It’s High Tea at the Trenton Grange, a cozy celebration with tasty treats and great company, set for 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31st. Come sip and snack in person and support the charming Trenton Grange, 1134 Bar Harbor Road. Whether you’re a tea lover or just looking for a cozy way to spend your afternoon, this event is perfect for you. Bring your friends and come make new ones – everyone is welcome. Organized by Emily Muise and Friends of the Trenton Grange, it’s guaranteed to be a treat! Get tickets at the link we’ve shared on our FB page.
National News 05/07/26
Iran War Update
(AP) The United States and Iran on Wednesday appeared to be moving closer to an initial agreement to end the war. The Associated Press reports President Trump continued to pressure Tehran with threats of a new wave of bombing if a deal isn’t reached. Writing on social media, Trump said if Iran doesn’t accept a potential agreement, which the President failed to detail, “the bombing starts” again. Iran’s effective closure of the strait has sent fuel prices skyrocketing, rattling the global economy and putting enormous economic pressure on countries, including major powers such as China. The Trump Administration and Israel invaded Iran at the end of February without Congressional approval, citing an “imminent threat”, a claim denied by all national intelligence. Trump continues to skirt the War Powers Act by claiming the war ended April 7th, in spite of continued conflict and the US blockade, which is considered an act of war.
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