Crime/Public Safety

Body of Missing Fisherman Recovered 

(Rockland)  The body of a fisherman who went missing in Chickawaukie Lake in Rockland was recovered by divers Sunday night.  The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reports the body of 59 yo Timothy Payson of Rockland was located by divers in approximately 15 feet of water shortly before 10:30.  Sources say emergency crews were called to the scene about 8 a.m. Sunday after a resident reported hearing cries for help and spotted an unmanned boat circling in the water with a dog onboard.  First responders were able to board the boat and shut off the motor, but they say the operator was nowhere to be found, leading to recovery efforts by The Maine Warden Service dive team and others.

Wells Fire Damages Three Homes

(Wells)  A large fire on Atlantic Avenue in Wells Sunday that destroyed one home and damaged two others has been ruled accidental.  The Maine Department of Public Safety tells Downeast Digest the homeowner had just changed a propane tank and was preparing to grill when a fire erupted near the grill area, causing a small explosion.  Witnesses say heavy fire and smoke conditions could be seen throughout the area, and multiple alarms were struck due to the severity of the fire.  First responders were quickly on the scene, but flames leapt to homes on either side of the residence where the fire began, damaging both.  The homeowner suffered minor burns, but no other injuries were reported.  

Stockton Spring Structure Fire

(Stockton Springs)  Fire investigators are seeking information about a fire that destroyed a home in Stockton Springs Sunday morning.  Crews were called to 23 Cross Lane about 9:30 and found the structure fully engulfed.  The Office of the State Fire Marshal determined there was no electricity connected to the home at the time of the fire and ruled it incendiary, meaning it was purposely set.  Anyone with information is asked to call the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Connecticut Fire Department Donates Engine to Searsmont

(Searsmont)  When the North Thompsonville Fire Department in Connecticut heard about the Searsmont tragedy, the commissioners, officers, and crew were “fired up” to do something to help their fellow first responders.  That something was no small thing.  North Thompsonville donated one of their fire engines to the Searsmont Fire Department, which, along with Belmont and Appleton, suffered crucial equipment losses in the blaze.  New fire trucks not only cost thousands of dollars, but often take a year or more to secure.  North Thompsonville firefighters posted on social media, “The fire service is built on brotherhood, sisterhood, and mutual aid.  Whether across town or across state lines, firefighters stand together in times of need.”

Local Politics

Input Sought on Downeast Maine National Heritage Area

(Ellsworth)  The Downeast Maine National Heritage Area encompasses all of Hancock and Washington Counties.  Not a federally owned park, the heritage area focuses on preserving the history and culture of the region, rather than restricting land use as it celebrates the region’s connection to the northern Atlantic frontier, the wild blueberry industry, and Wabanaki cultural traditions.  Join the conversation and learn more tonight at the Ellsworth Public Library, beginning at 7 p.m. Topics will center on what planning has looked like so far and how heritage preservation can support the places, stories, and communities that make Downeast Maine such a unique region.  Refreshments will be served.

Blue Hill at Forefront of State’s Population Shift

(Blue Hill)  Blue Hill is at the forefront of Maine’s population shift driven by migration and remote work that are altering local housing and community life.  That’s according to a recent study from the University of Southern Maine and reported in Island Ad-Vantages.  The research concluded the population of the Blue Hill Peninsula is changing and is part of a bigger shift happening across Maine’s small towns.  The study was reportedly requested by Blue Hill Heritage Trust after locals noticed more people were in town than usual and that seasonal visitors were lingering longer than anticipated.  The study identifies three main factors driving the change – the growth of remote work, the COVID pandemic that drove people away from crowded urban areas, and climate migration, with about 22 percent of new residents citing climate-related concerns for their decision to relocate to Maine.

Surry Voters Back Funding for School Facilities Improvements

(Surry)  Voters in Surry have approved $1.2M for new roofing and ventilation at Surry Elementary School.  The Weekly Packet reports construction will begin this sumer.  School officials say the upgrades will address longstanding issues, enhance air quality, and help protect the structures from further harm.  Close to 80% of the construction is expected to be completed before school starts back up again in the fall.

Education

Conners-Emerson Students Compete in State Competition

(Bar Harbor)  A pair of Bar Harbor’s Conners Emerson School students recently placed third in the state in the Website category at the 2026 Maine National History Day Competition.  The Mount Desert Islander reports 6th grader Presa Guzman and 7th grader Finn Monahan entered a project entitled “Tesla vs. Edison:  The Competition to Light Up the World”, which explored the famous rivalry between inventors Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison.  National History Day is a year-long academic program that encourages students to become historians by conducting research and presenting their findings through websites, exhibits, documentaries and other media.  Harper Miller Rushing of MDI High School earned second place in the Senior Documentary category and advanced to the National Contest, being held this week in Delaware.

Ellsworth’s PJ Keenan Joins SkillsUSA Maine

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth’s PJ Keenan has joined SkillsUSA Maine as their new Conference Coordinator.  In her new role, Keenan will help coordinate and support SkillsUSA programs, ensuring successful and engaging experiences for members and attendees.  The team says they’re excited for PJ’s energy, expertise, and fresh ideas they know she’ll contribute to their conferences and events.  PJ is well known around Ellsworth for her contributions to The Grand and for formerly serving as Executive Director of the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, among other accomplishments.

Infrastructure

Bar Harbor Installs New Gangway at Town Pier

(Bar Harbor)  The Town of Bar Harbor is celebrating installation of a new gangway at the town pier.  At 80 feet long and 5 feet wide, the new structure is a significant upgrade from the previous aging 50-footer and improves access to the floating dock.  Funding was provided through a State of Maine SHIP grant and a one-time contribution from American Cruise Lines, so officials say no local property taxes were used.  

Cranberry Cove Ferry Departing from New Location

(SW Harbor)  After four years of using Beal’s Pier in SW Harbor, the Cranberry Cove Ferry will relocate for departures and arrivals.  The Mount Desert Islander reports the ferry is now based at 126 Clark Point Road – the former MDI Lobster Pier.  The move is expected to help with tourist parking and give islanders easier access to locations within SW Harbor.  The ferry runs Memorial Day weekend through October 1st, making stops at Manset, Great Cranberry Island, and Isleford, before returning to MDI.  In addition, a new vessel will soon join the fleet, a refurbished 42-footer from Chesapeake Bay that was also previously used as a ferry.  Harbormaster Rob Leavitt had nothing but praise for the move, calling it a great first step heading in the direction of a working waterfront.

Human Interest

MaineBiz Announces 2026 Community Impact Awards

(Undated)  MaineBiz on Monday unveiled its list of recipients of the 2026 MaineBiz Community Impact Awards.  They say the program was born from the idea of celebrating people and nonprofits that transform our communities, as well as the businesses that support them.  Heart of Ellsworth Board President Karin Otto was named Volunteer of the Year, pouring more than 900 hours into her role in one year alone and providing leadership through a period of rapid growth and transformation.  Interestingly, Otto previously spent ten years with Waterfall Arts, which garnered Honorable Mention in the Campaign Excellence category. A fundraising campaign helped drive $1.2M for capital improvements, contributing to a 485% increase in development revenue to one of Belfast’s premier cultural venues.

Local Business Steps Up for Air Force Veteran

(Ellsworth)  A local business has stepped up to help an Ellsworth Air Force Veteran safely step up to his side door.  The Ellsworth American reports David Long has lived in the city for some 35 years, and his porch, which was just as old, wasn’t holding up.  A friend reached out to the Maine Veterans Project, which was happy to assist.  They contacted Bangor-based J&R Contracting, who built a new deck and steps in about two days, with Viking Lumber contributing the materials.  Ryan Morris, co-owner of J&R Contracting, said there’s help out there for veterans in need, they just have to reach out.  There are always people willing to lend a hand.

National News 06/15/26

U.S., Iran Trumpet Tentative Agreement to End the War

(AP)  The United States and Iran are trumpeting a tentative agreement aimed at ending the war as a victory.  But according to The Associated Press, so far, there are few details on what is actually in the agreement.  Pakistani officials say a  Memorandum of Understanding brokered by Pakistan begins with the simultaneous lifting of Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports.  The two sides will then enter 60 days of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program and the potential lifting of sanctions, leaving the adversaries basically where they were before February 28th when the U.S. and Israel invaded Iran in a war that cost American taxpayers a billion dollars a day.

High Gas and Oil Prices Not Likely to Return to Normal Quickly

(AP)  Analysts say high oil and gasoline prices and energy supply issues won’t be solved overnight, despite an agreement to end the Iran War and open the Strait of Hormuz announced Sunday.  Experts caution it will likely take months before energy companies can resume operations to the point of meeting world demands.  Ships loaded with crude oil have been stranded in the Persian Gulf for more than three months, unable to travel safely through the waterway that transports about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.  The Associated Press reports one official said, “It’s going to take months for people to feel comfortable and for insurance to be in place, particularly to get people on the ground to restart some of these assets.”

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