Crime/Public Safety

Waldo County Man on Trial for Murder in Ireland

(Swanville)  A Waldo County man is on trial for a grisly murder in Ireland.  The Portland Press Herald reports 54 yo Michael Kelley was raised in Swanville, just outside Belfast.  After a stint in the army and raising a family, he left that life behind in 2017 and moved to the Emerald Isle, living virtually homeless and under the radar.  Family members say his mental health had been deteriorating for years and he’d grown paranoid and sometimes violent.  Kelley eventually found work with a sheep farmer, 56 yo Michael Gaine, in the small town of Kenmare.  Gaine disappeared in March 2025 – bits of his remains found two months later, stuffed inside a tank on the farm.  Kelley has been charged in the case, but maintains his innocence.  Officials say his first hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Local Politics

Machias Calls Special Town Meeting to Address Cost Overruns

(Machias)  Just as Washington County successfully recovers from its debt crisis, the town of Machias is facing financial issues of its own.  Officials have called a special town meeting for this evening to address cost overruns in several department budgets, including police, fire, and possibly the airport.  According to The Maine Monitor, the Fire Department is projected to exceed its budget by a little more than $19K following a change directing how volunteer firefighters are compensated, along with unexpected equipment maintenance costs and unpaid bills carried over from FY 25.   The police department is expected to be over by about $32K.  Tonight’s meeting will be held at 5 p.m.  Machias’s annual town meeting to approve the FY 2027 budget is set for Tuesday, June 23rd.  

Tremont Renews Contract with SW Harbor PD

(Tremont)  The Tremont Select Board this week voted to renew its contract with the SW Harbor Police Department.  The Mount Desert Islander reports for the past two years, the SWHPD has provided 24-hour police coverage in Tremont, including regular patrols and frequent visits to the local school by the School Resource Officer.  Voters approved the close to $436K contract at the most recent town meeting. The department has responded to some one thousand calls in Tremont, close to half of which were police-related incidents.  Board Chair Jamie Thurlow said 90% of Tremont residents are happy with SW Harbor’s coverage of the area.

Economy

Acadia Flatbread Celebrates Grand Opening

(Ellsworth)  Another chance to eat local – Acadia Flatbread Brazilian Soul is getting ready to open at 56 Washington Street in Ellsworth, and you don’t want to miss sampling their wares, made with authentic Brazilian flavors and fresh ingredients.  The eatery will celebrate their Grand Opening beginning at Noon this Friday, June 19th.  They say their dough is made fresh daily on site and topped with various meats, cheeses, and other ingredients.  Their specialty is Brazilian esfihas (SFIES), which resemble miniature open faced pizzas topped with ground beef, shredded chicken, spicy smoked sausage, or other ingredients of your choice.   And don’t miss their delicious desserts, including lime mousse, passion fruit, flan, carrot cake, and more.  Acadia Flatbread – opening tomorrow in Ellsworth.  Shop and eat local!

Top to Bottom Drive Benefits Those in Need

(Ellsworth)  Last Friday’s Top to Bottom Drive will help countless folks in need, thanks to the hundreds who turned out to donate everything from personal care items to diapers to cleaning supplies.  Volunteers from Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties and WIC collected donations at Hannaford stores in Ellsworth, Machias, and Bar Harbor, at the Blue Hill Co-op, and at the WalMart in Calais.  Donations were especially needed and appreciated, since items such as personal hygiene and home cleaning supplies can’t be purchased using SNAP benefits.  

Summer Travelers Look for Ways to Save in Tight Economy

(Undated)  Triple A says about 72% of Americans plan to travel this summer, but families are definitely looking for ways to save amid high inflation and gasoline costs.  Drivers in Maine are averaging about $4.16 per gallon for regular.  Experts say for those looking to cut costs, a staycation can be a fun alternative.  To find the best options, WalletHub compared over 180 US cities across 41 metrics, including affordability, recreation opportunities, and the number of parks and attractions available to residents and visitors.  While the survey says Portland ranked highest of cities in New England, we think they missed out in skipping over Downeast Maine with its festivals, museums, summer concerts, Acadia National Park, and highlights such as Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show in Trenton.  No better staycation than Vacationland, right here at home for us lucky ones.  

Unity Environmental University Campus Sold

(Unity)  The site was on the market for three years, but MaineBiz reports the 225-acre Unity Environmental University campus has been sold to an undisclosed buyer who plans to convert the property into an upscale summer camp.  The University transitioned to a distance-learning model several years ago, and relocated to New Gloucester, where it offers mostly hybrid and online degree programs.  

Pugnuts Celebrates “Dog of the Day”

(Surry)  Our favorite race each Spring is the Sea of Blue 5K in Northeast Harbor, which raises money for causes related to autism.  This year while there, we stopped into McGrath’s Variety and met the beloved and gentle Oscar, furry “son” of McGrath’s owner, Terry.  Yesterday, we learned today is Oscar’s tenth birthday!   The pup celebrated Wednesday with a dish of Blueberry-Raspberry swirl Pugnuts ice cream.  Not only that, Pugnuts in Surry named him their “Dog of the Day”!  With the weather warming, we highly recommend treating yourself … and your furry friends.  Visit Pugnuts on FB for their daily offerings, or pick up a cone or pint at McGrath’s in Northeast Harbor … and say hello to the birthday boy.

Education

Former Hancock Grammar School Teacher Honored

(Hancock)  An educator who formerly worked with students at Hancock Grammar School has been honored with Husson University’s Distinguished University Service Award.  Dr. Lauren Fysh is currently an Assistant Professor in the Husson University School of Occupational Therapy.  She also co-chairs the Maine Occupational Therapy Association’s Children and Youth SIS.  The award is presented to a faculty member who demonstrates outstanding service to both the University and the broader community.  At Husson, Dr. Fysh develops and facilitates a pro bono program in which students complete evaluations for local school districts and implement RTI, or response-to-intervention programming, serving approximately 85 students annually.  

Environment

Climate Messages Back on Display at ANP

(ANP)  At least some messages about the impact of climate change are back on display this week in Acadia National Park.  A March 2025 order issued by the Trump Administration had resulted in the removal of such signs and signs related to diversity, but a judge last month ruled in favor of a coalition of environmental and historical organizations that sued over the President’s attempts to “erase history and censor science” at America’s National Parks, according to the lawsuit.  The Bangor Daily News reports most visitors to the park were disgusted by the removal ordered by Trump, with one official saying, “Our national parks are our nation’s storytellers.  Visitors deserve accurate and uncensored information.”  

Volunteers Work to Prepare Trails with BHHT

(Blue Hill)  Volunteers and Interns with Blue Hill Heritage Trust have been hard at work preparing the Patten Stream trail and building the foundations for new bridges.  The work has been made possible through support from an AllTrails Stewards Fund Grant, helping the Trust improve access and ensure visitors can enjoy Patten Stream for years to come.  The section of the North Loop being worked on is still temporarily closed until construction is complete, but you can follow their progress on FB.

Human Interest

World Cup Matches at Gillette Stadium

(Foxboro, MA)  If you happen to have caught World Cup fever, the closest matches to Maine will be held at Gillette Stadium, renamed Boston Stadium for the tournament.  The Foxboro, Massachusetts venue is hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches, including five group-state games, one Round of 32 fixture, and a Quarterfinal.  The next game is set for tomorrow evening at 6, when Scotland takes on Morocco in Group C.  Other remaining game dates scheduled at Gillette include June 23, 26, and 29, with the Quarterfinal on July 9th.  

Ellsworth Historical Society Teams with Fogtown Brewing for Night of History

(Ellsworth)  There’s much about history to engage a new generation of local history buffs, and no better place to start than Pints and the Past – a collaboration between Fogtown Brewing Company and The Ellsworth Historical Society.  On June 25th, join in a two-part series of rapid-fire presentations.  The evening begins as you dive into the rich history of craft brewing with Fogtown owner Jon Stein.  Then College of the Atlantic professor Todd Little-Siebold shares his renowned expertise on the deep-rooted history of cider making in Maine.  Finally, Ellsworth Historical Society President Bill Fogle will uncover the fascinating architectural and cultural history of 25 Pine Street itself, where the event will be held.  The quick presentations will be followed by a dedicated Ellsworth History Trivia Night – grab a pint and a team and test your knowledge for prizes and serious bragging rights.  Free and open to the public, early arrival is encouraged – the fun begins at 5:30 p.m. a week from this evening at Fogtown in Ellsworth.

National News  06/18/26

Obama Presidential Library Opens 

(Chicago)  The Obama Presidential Library’s Grand Opening is today in Chicago.  Artists scheduled to perform include Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, U2’s Bono and The Edge, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Hudson. The 19 acre campus, located in Chicago’s South Side, is home to a Chicago Public Library branch, a playground, a sledding hill, a cafe and restaurant, and a ticketed museum.  When asked about his favorite exhibit, the former President reportedly became emotional as he described a display that features a sampling of some of the letters he received from Americans during his eight years in the White House.  During his tenure, Obama had a routine called “10 Letters a Day”.  Each evening, he sat and read 10 of the thousands of letters received each day, curated by his staff from a cross section of the public; and he hand wrote personal replies, often using the letters to inform policy and occasionally visiting the letter writers in their hometowns when traveling.  The venue officially opens to the public on Juneteenth, which is, of course, Friday.

Details of US/Iran Truce Provided to Press

(Dubai)  Senior US officials on Wednesday dictated the memorandum of understanding with Iran to journalists, following days of secrecy.  Officials who spoke on condition of anonymity say the draft agreement includes a new minimum standard for Iran’s enrichment of uranium and has provisions to ensure the territorial integrity of Lebanon.  In return, the Associated Press reports, the U.S. will move to waive but not eliminate some wide-ranging sanctions against Iran once the deal is signed, and Iran will take immediate steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.  Iran has not yet released the draft.  A formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday.

© 2026 Downeast Digest.  All rights reserved.