Crime/Public Safety

Maine Game Warden Killed in Plane Crash

(Avon)  A Maine Game Warden was killed Tuesday morning when his plane went down near Schoolhouse Pond in the Franklin County town of Avon.  The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reports the crash happened around 11 a.m.  Authorities say the pilot, identified as 50 yo Joshua Tibbitts, was the plane’s sole occupant. He was reportedly working to stock lakes in the western part of the state with fish when the crash occurred in the extremely rural area near Rangeley. Governor Janet Mills at a press conference called it a devastating loss for the Maine Warden Service, MDIFW, and the people of Maine. The FAA and NTSB will lead an investigation into the crash. Our thoughts go out to the family, loved ones, colleagues and all who are impacted by this tragedy.

Periwinkle Harvester Dies After Boat Capsizes Off Jonesport

(Jonesport)  A fisherman who was periwinkling died Monday night after the boat off which he and another fishermen were working capsized near Crumple Island.  The U.S. Coast Guard Jonesport was called by family members shortly before 6 p.m. after the two men failed to return from their outing.  The two, 54-year-old James Smith and 44-year-old Stephen Johnson, had told family members where they would be periwinkling, which helped the Coast Guard pinpoint a location to begin searching. The men, who had apparently lost their phones, had been unable to call for help, but were able to make it to the island, where the Maine Marine Patrol reports Johnson succumbed before rescuers arrived. A Good Samaritan helped get the two into the rescue boat, which transported them to the Coast Guard station In Jonesport, where EMS crews were standing by.  Johnson’s body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta for an autopsy to determine a cause of death.  A GoFundMe account has been set up on FB to support his widow and children.  

Local Politics

Vice President to Visit Bangor

(Bangor)  Vice President JD Vance is expected to make a visit to Bangor tomorrow.  According to an invitation sent by the Maine Republican Party, the event will be held at a facility at the Bangor International Airport. The program is RSVP-only, with doors opening at 9:30, a program beginning at 11:30, and Vance scheduled to speak at 12:30.  

Economy

Flex-It to Offer Longer Hours

(Ellsworth)  Great news for those looking for a late afternoon spot to grab a bite in Ellsworth!  Beginning May 25th, Flex-It Cafe and Bakery will be serving until 5 p.m..  Not only that, but they’ll be opening at 5:30 a.m. so you can grab a coffee on the way to work or school – or church, because those hours will be seven days a week!  Again, that’s beginning a week from Monday, on May 25th.

Waldo County Woodshed Seeks Volunteers

(Belfast)  Want to get that body in shape for summer?!  The Waldo County Woodshed in Belfast is starting to stock their sites with wood, and they could use your help getting wood into their sheds.  They say if you like hard work, black flies, splinters in your hands and working for no pay, this is the job for you!   Actually, we hear the work is pretty rewarding, and you can work on your own schedule. They say opportunities are available in Northport, Brooks, Lincolnville and Thorndike.  Message them on Facebook if you can help.

Median Home Price Up Again in April

(Maine)  The median home price in Maine crept up again in April.  MaineBiz reports the average price of a home in the Pine Tree State was $410K.  Cumberland and York Counties continue to be the state’s most expensive markets, with median prices of $590 and $500K respectively.  A 645 square foot, two-bedroom home in Freeport is on the market for $375K.  Aroostook County consistently ranks as cheapest in the state.  Maine’s least populous county, Piscataquis, also offers more affordability, and Washington County is the most affordable way to live along the coast.  Experts say keep in mind the low cost of living usually corresponds with rural isolation, longer drives to specialized medical care, and colder, harsher winters.

Ellsworth Public Library One Step Closer to Receiving Congressionally Directed Funding

(Ellsworth)  The Ellsworth Public Library is one step closer to that happy ending in its quest to support the preservation and expansion of the library’s facilities, ensuring it can continue serving as a cornerstone of the community.  This week, the library received formal notification that both U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have advanced their request for $3M in Congressionally Directed Spending to the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Director Sarah Lesko tells Downeast Digest the Senators’ offices had received a voluminous number of calls from community members.  In addition, EPL staff had submitted a letter of support signed by 46 local businesses and organizations.  A final decision on the funding is expected in July.

Tight Labor Market Could Work in Graduates’ Favor

(WalletHub)  It’s graduation season, and WalletHub says a tight labor market in 2026 might work in college graduates’ favor.  Sixty-nine percent of U.S. employers report difficulty finding qualified workers.  To identify the best places for young professionals, the research group compared more than 180 US cities based on job market strength and livability.  The analysis consisted of 25 metrics, including entry-level job opportunities, starting salaries, and housing affordability.  Portland, Maine ranked 24th overall, 18th for quality of life, and 38th for professional opportunities.  The top three U.S. cities in which to start a career were Atlanta, Orlando, and Tampa.  New York, Bridgeport, CT, and Detroit ranked at the bottom.

Education

WCCC Recognizes President with Honorary Doctorate

(Machias)  Traditional students aren’t the only ones receiving degrees during the flood of graduations this month.  Washington County Community College recognized President Susan Mingo with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the recent 2026 commencement ceremony at the University of Maine Machias.  Mingo, a UMM grad herself, has served as President of WCCC since 2018.  In her remarks to this year’s graduates, Mingo emphasized exercising compassion, perseverance, and the importance of creating opportunities for others … and encouraged them to lead with empathy and resist making assumptions about others. The honorary degree recognizes Mingo’s professional accomplishments, as well as her continued dedication to serving students and strengthening communities throughout Downeast Maine.

EHS “4th Door” Program Focus of Alternative Education

(Ellsworth)  We’re always so proud to highlight the work of amazing educators.  Ellsworth High School’s “4th Door” program is an alternative education program built on the simple but powerful belief that students succeed when they feel seen, supported, and connected.  The program serves about 30 students in grades 11 and 12 each year, with teacher Christopher Betts leading the group the past eight years with personalized learning pathways supported by clear structures and consistent guidance.  Students are referred by school staff, parents, or they can self-refer.  Once accepted, they sign a contract of expectations that create accountability while reinforcing student ownership of their learning.  Learn more on the EHS FB page.

Environment

DSF Plans Leadership Transition

(Machias)  Dwayne Shaw has dedicated the past three decades to leading the Downeast Salmon Federation, but says it’s time to pass the torch.  Shaw and the Board of Directors have announced a planned, one-year leadership transition, with the goal of welcoming a new Executive Director next April.  DSF says Shaw’s impact on salmon conservation in Maine can’t be overstated – from removal of the East Machias River dam in 2000 to building the Downeast Salmon Federation into a nationally recognized leader in river restoration and sea-run fish recovery.  They say his work has helped reconnect rivers, restore habitat, and strengthen the communities that depend on them.  Big shoes to fill.

Mill Dam in Whiting Undergoes Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Project

(Whiting)  The Orange River in Whiting is a critical coastal waterway – a habitat for Atlantic Salmon, alewives, and other migratory fish.  Following the burning of the original lumber mills in the 1950’s, the historic fish ladder on the Mill Dam fell into disrepair. For more than 60 years, migrating fish have been largely blocked from accessing spawning grounds further up the river.  But negotiations between the town of Whiting and ecological groups resulted in a compromise to repair the aging stone dam and construct a new fully-functional fishway.  The major multi-million dollar restoration project (funding was approved in 2023) has finally begun and will allow the 1830 stone dam and its reservoir to remain intact while successfully restoring native fish access to the Orange River watershed. The compromise maintains the reservoir so local volunteer firefighters can continue to use it as a critical water source.  

Infrastructure

Downeast Sunrise Trail to Reopen Friday

(Maine)  The Downeast Sunrise Trail will reopen to all users this Friday, May 15th.  Officials caution sections of the trail will be in the process of re-grading, so riders are urged to use caution.  Available for biking, walking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and ATV use, the 88 mile multi-use rail trail runs from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction and is the longest off-road segment of the East Coast Greenway in New England.  The Greenway, a nonprofit, is working on developing a 3,000 mile long route that runs from Key West Florida, north to the Canadian border in Calais, Maine.

National News 05/13/26

Trump Again Threatens Iran, Heads for Beijing

(AP)  President Trump on Tuesday headed for Beijing, where he is meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a high stakes visit over the war and other issues.  Trump said he would have a long talk with Jinping about the war, but that the focus would be on trade.  According to the Associated Press, Trump again threatened Iran if its leaders don’t reach an agreement on its nuclear program, adding, “We have Iran very much under control.  We’re either going to make a deal or they’re going to be decimated.  One way or another, we win.”

Trump Posts Social Media Tirade

(Guardian)  Concerns about Trump’s ability to lead continue to grow after he unleashed a late-night social media tirade against his political enemies Monday. Trump shot off more than 50 posts in a three hour rant that lasted into the early morning hours on Tuesday, including his continued insistence on winning the 2020 Presidential election, against all evidence proving otherwise … and showing Democratic leaders in the reflecting pool surrounded by sewage. The posts on Truth Social also included attacks on his predecessors, including false attacks on former President Barack Obama and calls for his Democratic rivals to be prosecuted. According to The Guardian Trump’s posts also included doctored images of himself on the $100 bill and demands political opponents be arrested. Trump headed for Beijing yesterday where he plans to meet with China’s President, Xi Jinping.

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