Local Politics

Public Meeting Planned

(Ellsworth)  There’s no question Ellsworth residents are concerned about growing headaches regarding the city’s streets and traffic.  Earlier this year, community members shared ideas about how Ellsworth’s streets could better and more safely serve residents, businesses, and visitors.  To help with improvements, the City took that feedback and had design concepts developed to address citizens’ concerns.  Interested persons are invited to join members in City Council Chambers this evening at 5:30 to share feedback on the concepts and help the city refine them.  If you can’t make it, there’s also a survey online.  You’ll find that on the City’s website.

Economy

CAAWHAC Moves Ahead with Election of Board

(Undated)  Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties has taken a major step forward in developing a unified, regional community action agency serving northern and Downeast Maine.  CEO Jason Parent tells Downeast  Digest they recently completed the formal election of a new 30-member, three-county Board of Directors.  The newly-seated Board will convene its first full-day, in-person work session later this month in Sherman, where members will begin developing a new mission, vision and five-year strategic plan.  Parent said the agency is committed to being a source of light, stability, and opportunity across the region.

Monthly Retail Sales Falter in May

(NRF)  The National Retail Federation reports retail sales were flat last month, amid elevated gas prices and persistent inflation.  Total retail sales, excluding cars and gas rose just point 42% in May compared to April.  Sales of goods that were up less than one percent include electronics and appliances, clothing and accessories, sporting goods, and grocery and beverage sales.  Furniture and home furnishings sales were down slightly, as were building and garden supply sales.  Digital products such as electronic books and games were the only sector that showed a rise of more than one percent, up 1.22 percent.  

Top to Bottom Drive

(Maine)  Think about the essential hygiene products we use and take for granted each day – shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent, paper towels and toilet paper, and the like.  For many, going without is a harsh necessity.  In order to help fill the need others cannot, several nonprofits are hosting a Top-to-Bottom Drive this Friday, June 12th from 9 to 5.  You can drop off donations at the Bar Harbor, Ellsworth, and Machias Hannafords, the Blue Hill Co-Op, or Calais WalMart.  We’ve posted a list of needed products – including diapers and baby wipes, on our social media pages.

Maine Senior Farmshare Registration Now Open

(Maine)  Registration is now open for the Maine Senior Farmshare Program for the 2026 season. The program provides income-eligible adults age 60 and older the opportunity to receive a $50 share of first-quality, fresh, local produce at no cost directly from local Maine farmers during the growing season.  The program is also available to eligible Native Americans age 55 and older, and for certain disabled adults 18 years and older.  For more information or to apply, visit the Maine Senior FarmShare Program website at the link we’ve provided with this story on our website.  

Maine Senior FarmShare Program: Agricultural Resource Development Division

RV Campground Proposed for Bayside Road in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  A developer is proposing a 28-site RV campground on Bayside Road in Ellsworth.  The Ellsworth American reports the “Anchor In Campground” would be located on a 52-acre lot that consists of mostly woodlands and some wetlands. The proposed project would include full hookup RV sites with water, electric and sewer connections.  That’s according to an application submitted to the Planning Board by property owner Superior Realty, Inc..  Residents of a neighborhood that includes next-door Alton Avenue are pushing back, concerned about what could be a disturbance to their neighborhood.  They say they’re not opposed to development in Ellsworth, but don’t believe it’s a good choice for such a facility to back up to an existing neighborhood.  The campground would be seasonal and would be closed during the winter.  If approved, construction on the campground is set to begin this September and completed next July.

Education

UMaine Launches New Nursing Programs

(Orono)  The University of Maine is launching two new doctoral nursing programs, with plans to begin student enrollment in 2027.  In a press release, the University cited a shortage of nurse educators and advanced practice nurses in Maine and nationwide that are limiting care access and quality.  The Doctor of Nursing Practice prepares advanced clinical and healthcare leaders, while the Ph.D track prepares nurse scientists and researchers. The University says both are intended to strengthen the state’s pipeline of nurse educators, advanced practice nurses and healthcare researchers. 

Local Head Start Students Receive Handmade Quilts

(Deer Island)  Students in the Deer Isle/Stonington Pre-K Head Start program were recently blanketed with a generous gift from Dockside Quilt Gallery in Deer Isle.  The quilters donated a beautiful handmade quilt to each child in the class, with every blanket custom-designed for the student in order to bring him or her comfort and joy.  This year’s donation continues more than a decade of such generous donations from local quilters to children in the Pre-K/Head Start program.  Teacher Katrina Gray said over the years, more than a hundred children have been gifted with the special quilts.

Environment

Consumers Willing to Pay More for Lobster Caught with Ropeless Technology

(Orono)  U.S. consumers are willing to pay more for lobster harvested using ropeless fishing technology.  That’s according to a new University of Maine research study.  The ropeless fishing gear is designed to reduce entanglements of whales, particularly the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.  The study found consumers are willing to pay, on average, $3.42 more for a lobster roll harvested through the new technology when they were presented with information on animal welfare.  Lead researcher Angie Zheng said the study doesn’t suggest Maine’s lobster industry should change its current practices, which for decades has implemented other whale-protection measures, but rather was designed to gauge price thresholds consumers would be willing to pay.  Maine’s fishery supplies about 90% of the nation’s lobster.

Fungus, Viruses Continue Killing Browntail Moths

(Maine)  Good news about those pesky browntail moth caterpillars, which just a few years ago were constantly underfoot. Scientists say the caterpillars, with their itch-inducing rash, are continuing to die off across Maine.  The Bangor Daily News reports a state monitoring program with sites in Bangor, Newport, and elsewhere has found visible differences in development among caterpillars at the same sites within just the last month – a trend they say is similar to last year.  Officials contend that’s likely attributable to parasitism or infection.  According to state data, at their 2022 peak, the creepy crawlers affected more than 150K acres across Maine.  That dropped by more than half the following year.  

Infrastructure

Maine DOT Plans Delays in Road and Bridge Repairs

(Maine)  The Maine Department of Transportation plans to delay up to $400M in road and bridge repairs due to a budget shortfall.  According to The Portland Press Herald, the crisis is caused by a failed bond bill, federal volatility, and rising material costs.  Maine reportedly needs $240M in capital funding each year just to keep the current infrastructure in good shape.  Officials say if that funding dips below $200M, Maine’s transportation network will erode over time.  But Maine only set aside $156M in state capital funds for DOT’s 2028 budget.  The Department had expected to close the budget gap with $130M in state bonds, but two bills that would have done so failed to win approval in the last legislative session.

Human Interest

Music Lovers Celebrate New Publication by Lawrence Schulman

(Orlando, FL)  Chances are if you listen to any of the stations of Maine Internet Radio, you’re a real music lover.  And music lovers are excited to learn BearManor Media has signed Northeast Harbor resident Lawrence Schulman to a second volume of his highly popular tome Unfettered: Words on Music by a Hi-Def Critic in an MP3 World.  Volume I, entitled FREE, includes all Schulman’s critical writings since 2024, including reviews on such varied artists as Carly Simon, Bobby Darin, Patsy Cline, the Wurlitzer jukebox and others.  Schulman, an acclaimed expert on Judy Garland, received his musical education in Paris, where he spent his first fifteen years.  His books are available through Amazon and in local bookstores.  

National News 06/10/26

Iran Shoots Down U.S. Army Helicopter 

(AP)  President Trump on Tuesday blamed Iran for shooting down a U.S. Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, saying America must respond to the attack.  An American drone boat rescued the two aviators aboard the Apache attack helicopter when it went down.  A spokesperson for Iran’s parliament said, “We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently.  Break your commitments, and we’ll switch to what we speak best.  You ride the horse you saddled.”

Trump/Netanyahu Reportedly at Odds Over Iran War

(AP)  President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly at odds over the war they began together in Iran.  The Associated Press reports while Trump was seeking a quick win, like the one secured in Venezuela, Netanyahu wants to vanquish Iran and its allies, even if it requires an extended conflict.  Both leaders face influential elections this year, with Netanyahu under pressure to stop Hezbollah’s attacks and prove he is winning the war.

President Booed at Knicks Game

(New York)  President Trump was soundly booed and flipped off by crowds at Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs Monday night.  Because of security concerns, Trump’s presence forced cancellation of the usually crowded watch parties typically gathered outside the arena, and ticket holders were advised to arrive at least two hours early.  Annoyance grew after footage surfaced showing Trump falling asleep part way through the game.  

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