Crime/Public Safety

Authorities Arrest Suspect Near UMaine Machias

(Machias)  Tense moments Monday morning as law enforcement officials searched for a wanted person near the campus of the University of Maine at Machias.  An alert prompted a warning from campus police detailing a description of the suspect and saying the public should not approach the man, but call 9-1-1 immediately if seen.  The alert was issued around 10:30 a.m., and the man was said to be arrested and in custody about an hour later.  

Waterville Adopts Ordinance Barring City Employees from Helping ICE

(Waterville)  A new state law outlines how Maine law enforcement officers can interact with federal immigration authorities.  But the Bangor Daily News writes it doesn’t address how other municipal employees should respond.  Last month, Waterville authorities voted to draft an ordinance that would clarify such responsibilities. Councilor Rebecca Green said, “The priority should be, first and foremost, to protect the legal immigrants … from being taken without due process.”  Council ultimately adopted an ordinance barring persons acting in any capacity as a city employee, including law enforcement, from assisting federal agencies in immigration enforcement, except where required by state or federal law, court order, or judicial warrants.  

Local Politics

Platner Pushes Back on WSJ Article

(Sullivan)  Democratic Senate Candidate Graham Platner of Sullivan says a story first published by the  Wall Street Journal about alleged sexually explicit text messages to women is  “journalistic malpractice”.  Speaking at a campaign event in Portland, Platner accused the media of running gossip instead of focusing on his policy positions.  On Saturday, Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, posted a five minute video on social media saying she feels deeply hurt and betrayed by journalist Genevieve McDonald, who made the claims and who Gertner said she had considered a friend.

Economy

Maine’s Aquaculture Fueled Largely by Small Farmers

(Maine)  Maine’s aquaculture sector helped drive a 51% increase in the sector’s economic contribution – in no small part, thanks to the small, beginning farmers who comprise the main makeup of the industry.  Maine Biz reports a new study shows economic growth from about $137M in 2014 to just over $208M in 2023, with the number of aquaculture-related jobs jumping by 60%.  Sebastian Belle, Executive Director of the Maine Aquaculture Association, credits the sector with supporting young people being able to and wanting to stay in Maine, fishermen diversifying their income, and families feeding their communities with fresh, local food.  Belle said the industry is not just growing seafood, but small businesses, careers, knowledge, innovation, and community resilience.  

Pantry Challenge Helps Cut Down on Food Costs

(Undated)  It’s no secret food costs are up – in some cases, way up.  But a new concept has some families reporting savings of up to $400 in a single month.  Dubbed “The Pantry Challenge”, it encourages folks to use what they have on hand rather than making frequent runs to the store.  The Bangor Daily News reports a pantry-only challenge works because most people have the makings of a meal or several on hand.  It also removes the biggest trigger for overspending – those impulse grocery runs.  They say food waste plays a major role in rising grocery bills, with items getting pushed to the back of cabinets, refrigerators and freezers.  With grocery costs predicted to rise by nearly 2.5% this year, experts say it’s a shift in mindset that could bring big savings.

Robbins Lumber Resumes Full Operations

(Searsmont)  Robbins Lumber in Searsmont has resumed full mill operations, following that May 15th fire and explosion that left one firefighter dead, several people injured, and set multiple buildings ablaze.  According to the company website, the mill began processing orders again on May 26th.  Family members Jim, Alden, and Lily, who were injured in the tragedy, remain at Massachusetts General Hospital, where the family says they are receiving excellent care along with others who were injured.  The town of Searsmont has set up a Fire Relief Fund and also supports the Maine Strong Memorial Foundation, which has reportedly been vetted by the town.

Education

Graduation Week at EHS

(Ellsworth)  It’s graduation week at area high schools.  Sumner Memorial High School’s graduation for the class of 2026 is this Thursday at 7.  Narraguagus is Friday at 2.  The Ellsworth Eagles will cross the stage and begin their new chapters on Friday evening, beginning at 6.  Jonesport-Beals and John Bapst graduation ceremonies are both this Sunday at 1.  Seniors at George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill will participate in their commencement ceremony at 2 p.m.. on Sunday, June 14th.  Congratulations to all those who have a world of possibilities open to you – we applaud your journey so far and hope you take advantage of every new opportunity.

Surry Creates Pollinator Pathways

(Surry)  There are 300 Pollinator Pathway projects across the country – areas planted with native seeds designed to support what some researchers call “the most valuable living beings on the planet”.  This month, the town of Surry is coordinating just the third such pathway in Maine.  Pollinator pathways are increasingly critical, as habitat loss, pesticide use, diseases, and America’s penchant for mowed lawns have led to drastic decline in the bee population.  In fact, the last known rusty patch bumblebee sighted in Maine occurred in Stockton Springs in 2009.  The Surry pathway project is being led by the Garden Club and consists of eight sites where members this summer will begin prepping soil for planting seedlings in September.  While the Weekly Packet reports the pathway gardens are being established on town property, the club hopes their example encourages the public to plant their own pollinator spaces.

Infrastructure

Maine DOT Details Next Steps for Machias Dike Bridge

(Machias)  Things tend to move slowly with a lot of red tape when the federal government is involved, and replacement of the Machias Dike Bridge is no exception.  Maine DOT on Monday issued a press release regarding the beginning of a required Environmental Impact Statement, essential for evaluating long-term solutions for the crossing.  Town officials say that while in many ways, the requirements are redundant, they nevertheless ARE required and no final decisions have been made at this time.  Residents are encouraged to participate when meetings are announced this fall and as MDOT moves toward a final decision.  

Human Interest

Swan’s Island Artist Paints Support for DV Survivors

(Swan’s Island)  A local artist is using her talents this summer to support survivors of domestic violence.   The Mount Desert Islander reports now through August, Swan’s Island artist Jessica DeFrenn is donating a dollar from the sale of each of her hand-printed greeting cards to two Maine nonprofits – Next Step Domestic Violence Project and Finding Our Voices.  The two organizations offer various resources, including a 24/7 hotline, emergency and long-term supportive housing, legal assistance, dental care and transportation.  DeFrenn says she grew up in a household where her mother faced domestic abuse.  You can purchase DeFrenn’s greeting cards or send donations on her Etsy page.  We’ve included a link with this story on our website.

etsy.com/shop/SacredSeahorseStudio.

Pride Month Activities

(Undated)  June is Pride Month, celebrating the diversity and individuality of all.  This Sunday from 11:30 to 4, the Ellsworth Pride Festival will take place at Knowlton Park.  The community gathering will feature LGBTQIA-plus performers, food vendors, crafts, and a health resource fair.  Later this month, Downeast Pride will feature a host of activities in Eastport.  The June 28th celebration there will feature a Pride Walk, dance parties, crafts, and live performances at the Sutherland Amphitheater.  For more information on Pride Month activities near you, check out your local Pride groups on social media.

COA Announces Summer Institute Speakers

(Bar Harbor)  Filmmaker Ken Burns, Former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, The Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson … just a few of the presenters speaking this summer at the College of the Atlantic Summer Institute.  The series also includes Pulitzer Prize winning authors, human rights activists, and specialists from the National Constitution Center.  This year’s theme is “Toward a More Perfect Union” and celebrates the country’s 250th anniversary with a forward-looking series of conversations about the future of America.  The summer also includes the popular Coffee and Conversation series on Tuesdays, beginning June 30th.  For more information or to register contact summerevents@coa.edu.

Where in the World Winner

(Sullivan)  Congratulations to last week’s “Where in the World” winner, Bobby Cheshire of Orrington.  Bobby and many others correctly guessed we were in Belfast.  We’ve sent him a $25 gift card to Pat’s Pizza.  This week’s new location is up on social media and already drawing lots of correct entries.  Make yours before midnight Friday at the link provided for a chance this week to win a $25 gift card to Aroma Joe’s … and thanks to everyone for playing and continuing to make our adventures so much fun!

Maine Kindness Catch Spreads Surprise Goodness

(Ellsworth)  An Ellsworth woman has turned her heartaches into heartfelt kindness that’s growing and spreading warmth across Maine through her “Maine Kindness Catch”.  Jillian Guptill shared with Downeast Digest she grew up in South Addison, and – like many others – life has handed her some tough times.  But, she says, “You GROW through what you GO through.”  Guptill, who is  studying to become a bereavement counselor, in March began making up small bags of gifts to hide in towns from Calais to Portland and everywhere in between – and the business of being kind quickly exploded. The bags contain donations from such well-known places as Darling’s and Governor’s and also carry uplifting notes for those who may wonder if anyone cares.  Jillian is proof, people DO.  In a world sometimes overwhelmed with UNkind words and actions, Maine Kindness Catch bags serve as a welcome alternative.  To see what the bags look like, learn how to donate, and where YOU might find one next, visit Maine Kindness Catch on FB and Instagram.

National News 06/02/26

DOJ Says It Will Abide by Judge’s Ruling on “Anti-Weaponization Fund”

(ABC) The Justice Department on Monday issued a statement saying it will abide by a district judge’s ruling that temporarily ordered the freezing of the Trump administration’s $1.8B “Anti Weaponization Fund”. The statement comes amid reports the administration was backing away from the controversial fund that would have rewarded those who attacked the Capitol and tried to overthrow the government on January 1, 2021, along with others who have committed criminal acts.

Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Opens for Public Tours

(AP)  Headed for New York City this summer?  This year, for the first time, you can tour Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, the workshop founded by the legendary creator of the Muppets.  The Associated Press reports the company has opened the doors to its Queens workshop for the first time, allowing fans to meet a builder of puppets, see a puppetry demonstration, and take photos and videos with the beloved characters with whom many grew up – and grew more tolerant.  The 80-minute tours take place Saturdays in a room specially created for the tour filled with real show props and creations.  We suspect Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Elmo will be as excited to see you as you are them.

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