Crime/Public Safety

Investigation Leads to Arrest of Three on Drug Charges

(Hancock)  An investigation that took place over the last month has led to the arrest of three people following execution of a search warrant at 221 Franklin Road in Hancock.  Authorities say the June 3rd search involved a single-family residence, multiple camper trailers and the on-site business known as Hancock Cycle. The investigation resulted in the confiscation of crack cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs with a street value of $30K.  Four firearms were also seized.  33 yo Matthew Crabtree of Ellsworth and 29 yo Jonathan Sprague were arrested during the search.  The property owner, 60 yo John Crawford, was arrested at his residence on Monday.  The three face various drug-related and other charges.  Authorities say more arrests are expected in the case.

Local Politics

Washington County Stays Afloat, Avoiding Default

(Machias)  Washington County successfully paid off a major $8M debt earlier this year, avoiding a deeper fiscal crisis and allowing it to stay afloat and avoid historic default.  The financial issues initially occurred under the former Commissioners and former County Manager and stemmed from delayed audits and accounting errors between 2020 and 2024.  The Machias Valley News Observer reports the county is working to finalize overdue audits and secure additional funding from lenders.  Still, recent rumors forecast severe cuts. The rumors stemmed from demands from County Commissioners that instructed County Manager Renee Gray to meet with department heads and come up with a worst case scenario.  Commissioner Billy Howard in a May 14th meeting mentioned cuts to personnel and asked that a busy finance department not be included in the plan.  At a June 11th meeting, county administrators clarified the plan was indeed simply a fail safe and not likely to be enacted, in spite of their insistence on having such a plan.

Washington County Gets Gold Star on ARPA Audit

(Machias)  Washington County Manager Renee Gray and her staff recently received kudos and a gold star from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  A compliance monitoring team had been in a months-long very detailed process of reviewing the use of ARPA funds by those who received them, including every county in Maine.  Gray tells Downeast Digest, the weeks leading up to the review were intense; so they were surprised when Treasury officials Zoomed in earlier this month with the results. Treasury officials took less than ten minutes to let the county know when it came to use of ARPA funds, at least, their review did not identify any problematic details; and in fact, indicated they held Washington County up as an example of integrity in their use of funds and accurate record keeping.

Economy

Study Looks at State’s Growing Pains

(Blue Hill)  Ever since the pandemic when people began looking for more rural places to settle, rural communities have struggled with growing pains.  A study by the University of Southern Maine reveals nowhere are the struggles more pronounced than here in Maine.  Researchers found households moving to Maine typically earn far more than those already residing here, resulting in changing local economies and property markets, especially in coveted coastal areas. It’s no secret the state faces an affordability crisis.  But they say newcomers provide advantages as well, including increased tax receipts, greater spending, and increased entrepreneurship.  The study further examines the potential for cultural conflict between long-term residents and recent arrivals who bring shifting expectations to those long held by generational families.  You can access the full study, entitled “Migrationland” in the Maine Policy Review.

Education

Surry Student Wins Bike in Reading Challenge

(Surry)  Research shows reading benefits kids in every subject area, including math.  A Surry Elementary student found it has other perks as well.  Eliza Bisset read and logged more than 500 minutes of reading last summer and was recently rewarded with a bicycle and helmet through the Maine Free Mason’s Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge.  The Penobscot Bay Press reports the organization awards 48 bicycles and helmets each year in order to encourage students across Maine to prevent the summer slide by reading or being read to for about 20 minutes a day for 25 days.  They say to receive a passport on which to log your minutes, check with your local school administrators.

Environment 

Downeast Salmon Federation Creates New Online Hub

(Cherryfield)  Whether you’re a Cherryfield resident, visitor, angler, or just interested in the future of the Narraguagus River, you likely have an interest in the Cherryfield Fish Passage Improvement Project.  A dam built in 1961 to reduce ice-related flooding in downtown Cherryfield has, unfortunately, long inhibited fish passage.  The project involves a new fishway designed to function like a natural river channel, while maintaining the dam’s ice control capacity and recreational value, a priority DSF says was identified by the Cherryfield Select Board.  DSF has created a new online hub where you can learn about the project’s history, follow construction progress, and stay informed about upcoming opportunities to get involved.  Visit mainesalmonrivers.org or visit Downeast Salmon Federation on FB.

Drought Conditions Improve Across Maine

(Maine)  Maine’s drought conditions are improving, thanks to a rainy spring.  But according to the Portland Press Herald, experts say more precip is needed in order for the state to be out of the woods.  They add even if conditions continue to improve, underlying issues could persist.  The National Weather Service said the state is not where it needs to be in terms of groundwater, and that could be around for a long time.  Only one area of the state, southwestern York County, remains under severe drought conditions, with most of the state in moderate drought conditions or abnormally dry as of last week. About half of Washington County, most of Aroostook, and parts of northwestern Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties are not considered to be under drought conditions at all.

Infrastructure

Ellsworth Streetlight Replacement Underway

(Ellsworth)  Things are about to get a whole lot brighter for residents of Ellsworth.  The City says a streetlight replacement project gets underway this week, with crews beginning installation of new LED streetlights throughout the city. The project incorporates DarkSky technology, lighting that helps people see at night without wasting light where it isn’t needed.  Approved streetlights aim brightness downward onto the street and sidewalk, instead of spilling it into nearby windows or sending it up into the sky.  The City says the contractor hopes to complete the work well before the end of July contract deadline, weather permitting.  For more information, visit the City of Ellsworth on FB and darksky.org

Human Interest

Play it Forward Event Draws Enthusiastic Crowd

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth’s Play it Forward event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 300 people to Knowlton Park on Saturday. City officials say from kids climbing into equipment from the Highway Department and exploring a police cruiser to free treats from Hannaford and visits from the cast of SpongeBob SquarePants, there was something to entertain everyone.  The biggest hit on the sunny, warm day?  The park’s splash pad, with its newly repaired water features and stronger water pressure, thanks to the hard work of the Parks, Recreation, and Facilities team.  Just another positive thing happening to bring the community together in the Friendly City.

Courthouse Gallery Celebrates 20th Anniversary

(Ellsworth)  What happens when artists are invited to see a city not just as a place, but as inspiration?  Courthouse Gallery in Ellsworth is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition, entitled “Ellsworth as Muse”.  The exhibit showcases the people, places, history and character that make Ellsworth unique.  From historic buildings and busy streets to quiet corners and unexpected moments…. whether you’re a longtime resident, frequent visitor, or seeing the city for the first time, stop by.  And join them Wednesday, June 24th from 5 to 7 for an Artist Reception.  Courthouse Gallery Fine Art is located at 6 Court Street in Ellsworth.

Server at Ogunquit Restaurant Receives Thousand Dollar Tip

(Ogunquit)  A server at a restaurant in Ogunquit got quite the surprise this week when a guest left an extraordinary tip, along with a simple note.  The bill came to $171 and change, but the patron added a one thousand dollar tip with a note that read “For the Patriots’ game in Germany.  Go Lions!”  We’re guessing the visitor was a Detroit fan, as that’s who will be meeting the Pats in Munich on November 15th. The restaurant owner posted the receipt with its gift and note on FB, adding “To the guest who did this, thank you.  For a young person working hard, going to school, and building a future, a gesture like this means more than words can say.”

Pickleball Here to Stay?

(Undated)  Despite noise complaints, restricted playing hours, and even lawsuits, it appears the sport of Pickleball is here to stay.  Pickleball began with the older generation as an easier-on-the-joints alternative to tennis; but was quickly picked up by young folks and has spread like wildfire to schools and recreation facilities. According to The NY Post, the most widespread controversy centers around noise – a distinctive, repetitive “popping” sound made when the sport’s hard paddle strikes a perforated plastic ball.  Residents of Belfast, Maine whose homes are near the local court say the noise is ruining their lives.  And more than one city in California has banned the courts outright.  Still, it appears Pickleball is here to stay.  The town of Jonesport recently refurbished its old tennis courts for pickleball, and that’s just one community nationwide doing the same.  In the midst of all the competition between fans and foes, it appears, at least for now, it’s Game On!

Cat Steals Show at Romeo and Juliet Ballet

(Turkey)  A cat was quite the character, but the actors remarkably stayed IN character during a recent production of Romeo and Juliet at a ballet performance in Turkey.  During the final dramatic scene when the tragic deaths unfold, an orange tabby wandered onto the stage and began rubbing against the prostate Romeo, biting and scratching his head.  In a bit of improvisation, Juliet tried to pull Romeo’s “body” away from the cat, at which point the cat jumped onto a nearby prop and continued to enjoy the show, along with a chuckling audience.  We’ve posted the video on our FB page and have lovingly dubbed the feline “Tony” for his “furry” engaging performance.

National News

Iran Says Deal to End War Must Include Israel Withdrawal from Lebanon

(AP)  Iran’s top diplomat yesterday said the tentative deal to end the war with the United States would require Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon – a condition the Associated Press says Israel has already rejected and which could sink the agreement and lead to the resumption of all-out war. Details of the deal have yet to be made public, with the US and Iran offering sometimes contradictory interpretations of what’s in it.

Algae Bloom Plagues Reflecting Pool

(Washington, DC)  Green algae have consistently plagued the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC, returning within days of a $14.2M renovation by the Trump Administration aimed at turning the water an “American Flag Blue”  According to The Guardian, officials attribute the growth to residual algae from a dormant supply and are using new ozone nanobubbler technology to clear it.  The technique is said to be increasingly used in large-scale water features and involves injecting oxygen and ozone into the water to destroy algae cells and starve blooms by breaking down the organic matter on which they feed.

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