Crime/Public Safety

Orland Woman Arrested at Tradewinds

(Orland)  A 44 yo woman was arrested Monday at the Tradewinds Variety Store in Orland.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Downeast Digest deputies responded to the store just after midnight for a report of a fire alarm activation.  They then located April Ashmore of Orland and arrested her for Aggravated Criminal Mischief, and False Public Alarm.  Ashmore was taken to the Hancock County Jail without incident.

Benefit Dinner Planned

(Addison)  The Addison Volunteer Fire Department is planning a benefit spaghetti dinner for the Department’s Fire Chief, Gary Stanley.  Stanley was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that will leave him out of work for months.  In addition to his position in Addison, Stanley is an EMT with Pleasant River and Bold Coast Ambulance Services.  Fellow volunteers say Gary and his wife are always first on the scene when others are in need, and they hope folks will show up now in their time of need.  The benefit will be held Sunday, June 7th, at 3 p.m. at 35 Firehouse Lane in Addison.

Local Politics

Bellows Removes Trans Referendum from Ballot

(Augusta)  Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has officially removed the trans sports referendum from the November ballot.  The issue, if approved by voters, would have banned transgender girls from female scholastic sports teams.  Bellows’s office says they found more than 12,000 of the 81,000-plus signatures submitted to be invalid, leaving a petition to put the issue on the ballot short.  A 2025 poll found 64% of Mainers oppose transgender female athletes competing in women’s sports, but it appears voters won’t have a say, at least not this year.

Iran War Slows Maine’s Mill Economy

(Maine)  Economists say the war with Iran is delaying progress on a western Maine data center being developed at a former Androscoggin Mill.  The Bangor Daily News reports the mill was the cornerstone of the economy in the town of Jay for six years before it closed in 2023.  The data center was seen as so important to the town’s economic revival, Governor Janet Mills vetoed what would have been a first-in-the-nation moratorium on such centers.  A Pakistani company that bought the former mill says it can’t remove its paper machinery so construction can begin because Iran has blocked ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz.  Critics also cite the President’s tariff policies as detrimental to U.S. economic growth.

Portland Press Herald Offers Voter Guide

(Portland)  If you’re already feeling overwhelmed this election season, you’re not alone.  With multiple races on the local, state, and federal levels, it’s hard to know where to start, who the candidates are, and what they stand for.  The Portland Press Herald has created a 2026 Voters’  Guide, covering everything from the candidates, to referendums, and measures across Maine in eight of the state’s 16 counties. The guide includes an election timeline and candidate profiles … from small town races to contests involving those hoping to represent Maine in Washington, DC.  Access the guide at pressherald.com.

Economy

207 Collectibles Uses Anniversary to Benefit Loaves and Fishes

(Ellsworth)  207 Collectibles in Ellsworth is celebrating five years in business this Saturday!  Join the party, beginning at 10 a.m., and enjoy free hot dogs, storewide sales, a raffle, and a chance to sink Ryan in the dunk tank – proceeds from the dunk tank benefit the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.  The store boasts Downeast Maine’s largest in-stock inventory of Pokemon, Magic, D&D, Nascar Memorabilia and more.  Saturday’s fun at 25 Eastward Lane lasts until 7 p.m., so you have plenty of time to bring the family and get in on the celebration.  Happy 5th Anniversary!

Kingfish Requests Extension of Building Timeline

(Jonesport)  Kingfish Maine has requested an extension on beginning construction of a $110M yellowtail aquaculture facility in Jonesport.  The company says it lost significant time due to litigation and needs the extension as a buffer while securing capital and as it assesses broader economic conditions.  The Jonesport Planning Board approved draft language amending local ordinances to give the company an extra 30 months to make a “substantial start” on the project.  Because it involves ordinance change, the extension will require a townwide vote.  Kingfish expects to provide 100 temporary construction jobs; and once fully operational, to create 70 permanent jobs.

Concern Regarding Underwater Data Center in Eastport Continues to Grow

(Eastport)  Public concern is growing over a proposed underwater AI data center near Eastport.  Earlier this month, residents there pressed City Council to address steps being taken to develop the tidal-powered underwater center.  According to the Maine Monitor, DeepGreen, which specializes in underwater powered data infrastructure, identified waters north of Eastport as one of two potential sites – the other in Alaska – for its first project.  Residents expressed reservations about the possible strain on Eastport’s power grid and whether the project would create meaningful jobs for the city, with one person telling councilors she believes “billionaire investors” have little interest in the city’s welfare.  Councilors declined to vote on a moratorium, but instead opted to send a letter to DeepGreen, expressing their objection to the project

Ellsworth Featured in MaineBiz

(Ellsworth)  Downtown Ellsworth is featured in the recent issue of MaineBiz, and both the City and Heart of Ellsworth have reason to toot their horns.  The article highlights new eateries, venues and shops that enhance Ellsworth as more than a pass-through on the way to Acadia, saying instead, it’s become a  destination.  When Heart of Ellsworth began in 2016, downtown had a 50% vacancy rate.  A decade later, the area is shaped by open storefronts, reimagined spaces, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Heart of Ellsworth says much of the progress comes from the steady partnership, local investments, and the shared belief in the value of a strong downtown.  You can read the entire article in the May 18th issue of MaineBiz.

Environment

Downeast Coastal Conservancy Launches Search for Executive Director

(Machias)  Downeast Coastal Conservancy has launched a search for its next Executive Director.  They say the ideal candidate will be passionate about conservation, community, and the future of Downeast Maine.  Based in Machias, DCC is a nationally accredited land trust, dedicated to conserving and stewarding the landscapes, waters, wildlife habitat, and communities of Washington County.  And they say they recognize strong nonprofit leadership comes from many backgrounds and experiences.  If the opportunity speaks to you, learn more at downeastcoastalconservancy.org.

Window Dressers to Address Age Friendly Sullivan

(Sullivan)  Age Friendly Sullivan will host Kit Lane from WindowDressers as their guest speaker at the monthly meeting on June 3rd.  WindowDressers is a nonprofit organization that helps Maine residents stay warmer and lower heating costs through custom insulating window inserts built by community volunteers.  Lane will share information about how the program works, its benefits, and opportunities for local volunteer involvement.  Everyone is welcome to attend – that’s Wednesday, June 3rd, beginning with social time and refreshments at 8:30 a.m. at the Sullivan Town Hall.

Summer Vacations Often a Top Priority

(Undated)  For most folks, it’s important to pay our bills.  But a recent WalletHub survey revealed something that to some, is even more important – vacation time away.  More than 1 in 5 of those surveyed said they would skip a credit card payment before skipping vacation, and 1 in 3 said a good vacation was worth going into debt for.  On the other hand, 48% said they worry about credit card bills while on vacation.  More than 3 in 5 Americans say they budget for summer travel, but 51% said they plan to spend less money this summer than last, especially with high gas prices affecting those travel plans.

Infrastructure

Versant Power Relies on Aerial Views to Inspect Infrastructure

(Bangor)  Wonder why that helicopter is flying overhead?  Twice a year, Versant Power crews take to the skies from Bangor to inspect transmission lines across northern and eastern Maine – work, they say, customers never see, but that plays a critical role in keeping the lights on.  The Aerial Inspection Program uses helicopters, infrared technology, and experienced inspectors to identify potential issues before they become outages.  They say the program helps crews cover hundreds of miles in just days, spotting damage and concerns in areas often difficult to access on foot.  The proactive approach also supports faster storm response and helps crews make safer, more informed repairs.

National News 05/28/26

White House to Celebrate with UFC Event

(Washington, DC)  The White House has begun construction of a UFC fighting cage on the south lawn of the White House in preparation for next month’s event to celebrate 250 years of American Independence, along with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.  The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, plans to fund the $60M project, including cleanup and repair of the south lawn following the June 14th event.  The celebration will be headlined by two championship title fights.  No tickets will be on sale to the general public.  Instead, sources say, they’ll be given “free” to special guests of the President, with ringside seats offered to those who fork over between one and one and a half million dollars.

U.S. Military Conducts Another Strike Against Iran

(AP)  U.S. officials report American forces on Wednesday carried out new defensive strikes on an Iranian military facility, after downing Iranian attack drones.  The Associated Press says the officials spoke on condition of anonymity.  The strikes came after President Donald Trump declared yesterday Iran was “negotiating on fumes”, insisting November’s midterm elections would not make him rush into a deal to end the nearly three-month-old conflict that began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28th, spurring unease across the global economy.  Over the weekend, Trump insisted a deal was near and that his administration and Iran had “largely negotiated” a settlement, though, as in the past, no details were given.

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