Crime/Public Safety

Local Fire Departments Tasked with Meeting New DEA Standards

(Mount Desert)  Local fire and EMS departments are working to comply with a new set of DEA regulations resulting from a change in federal law governing controlled substances.  The law went into effect in March.  The Mount Desert Islander reports that while the 1970 Controlled Substances Act regulated substances that have the potential for abuse, it did not outline regulations for Emergency Medical Services practitioners.  Under a new act, Fire and EMS departments must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency and are responsible for documenting the receipt, storage, inventory, administration to patients and more, including the destruction of controlled substances.  EMS agencies must now also be registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Economy

Continued Growth Coming to NEOC

(Millinocket)  It’s a bit of a drive, but more and more Downeasterners are discovering the recreation mecca known as the New England Outdoor Center, or NEOC.  Situated on Millinocket Lake and overlooking Mount Katahdin, NEOC offers whitewater rafting, wildlife tours, various accommodations, miles of trails for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, and an award-winning restaurant.  Plus, Knife’s Edge Brewing, serving up pizza, ales, and more.  Owner Matt Polstein says their latest endeavor is construction of a new outdoor amphitheater that will hold up to 500 people, bringing live concerts, outdoor movies, and community lectures to the area and guests.  The amphitheater is part of a broader master plan expected to unfold in stages during the next three years, and backed by more than a million dollars in new grant funding awarded to the Outdoor Sport Institute.

New State Entity Designed to Promote State’s Marine Economy

(Augusta) A new entity created by the state legislature aims to leverage Maine’s clean ocean brand to foster jobs, investment, and new business ventures across the spectrum of marine-based industries.  The Bangor Daily News reports the Maine Center for the Blue Economy is set to launch at the end of next month, establishing a state-sponsored initiative focused on Maine’s ocean-centered economy.  A 2025 consultant’s report notes ocean-related industries contributed close to $7B to the state’s economy and accounted for more than 90K jobs in 2021 … but that efforts to support such businesses have been “energetic but disorganized”.   Experts say the success of MCBE will be determined by whether it can support and sustain innovation by attracting and creating new investment opportunities for Maine companies.

Environment

Rusty Patch Bumble Bee

(Maine)  The Rusty Patch Bumble Bee hasn’t been seen in Maine since 2009 when it was observed in Stockton Springs; but bee experts say that doesn’t mean it no longer exists in the Pine Tree State.  The endangered species can be identified by its unique single patch of rust, bordered by yellow that is confined specifically to the second section of their abdomen, so a close up look is likely necessary for an accurate ID.  The Rusty Patch is the first bumble bee to be protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.  A catalyst for pollinator conservation, the species has declined 90% just since the 1990s.  But scientists believe they’re still out there – maybe right here in Maine.  Any sightings with pictures can be sent to inaturalist.org or bumblebeewatch.org. 

Shaw Institute Adds Seahorse Exhibit

(Blue Hill)  The males are the ones who give birth … they’re masters of camouflage … and they’re the only fish that swims entirely upright.  Seahorses – mystical, magical creatures that for centuries have sparked the imaginations of kids of all ages!  Now you can enjoy them up close at the Environmental Education Center at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill.  The Center has added a brand-new, 70-gallon seahorse aquarium, featuring male lined seahorses and a habitat inspired by one of Maine’s most important, but threatened coastal ecosystems – eelgrass meadows.  The exhibit is made possible by Clearview Energy; and while showcasing the equine-like swimmers, also tells the story of eelgrass, a plant that provides a critical habitat for countless marine species and that helps protect the state’s coastlines.  The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 to 4, and admission is free.

Volunteers Sought for Ellsworth Street Tree Survey

(Ellsworth)  Want to branch out with your volunteer hours?  The City of Ellsworth’s Urban Forest initiative is looking for help collecting tree measurements along city streets.  Join them at City Hall at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11th to assist with the tree street inventory – which should take about two hours.  Volunteers will use their smartphones to collect measurements, and data will then be used to inform decisions regarding the future of Ellsworth’s urban forest.  Bring water and your smartphone or tablet and wear comfy shoes.  They say an RSVP to treesteward@ellsworthmaine.gov will be greatly appreciated. 

Health

MDI Health Launches Screening Mammogram Scholarship Program

(Bar Harbor)  MDI Health is launching a Screening Mammogram Scholarship Program, an initiative made possible through an $80K, two-year grant from the Maine Cancer Foundation.  The program aims to remove financial barriers that prevent patients from accessing routine breast cancer screening, one of the most effective tools for early detection and improved outcomes.  Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Maine, with recent data showing Hancock and Washington counties having some of the highest incidences of breast cancer in the state.  At the same time, they say screening rates in the region remain below the state average.  Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to contact their primary care provider’s office to schedule an appointment or to request a referral.

Infrastructure

Del Luce Stadium Closed for Replacement Project

(Ellsworth) The track and soccer field at Del Luce Stadium in Ellsworth is now closed to the public.  The City says construction is underway for the track replacement project, which is expected to progress into mid August.  Residents are asked to avoid walking and running on the track or using the grassy infield. The facility is located near Ellsworth Elementary Middle School.  Officials say the improvements will bring, if not faster laps, at least better footing, and will hopefully make the track more conducive to Ellsworth schools hosting track and field meets involving teams from away, an option limited in the past because of the poor condition of the track.

Human Interest

Ellsworth Downtown Summer Concerts

(Ellsworth)  Grab a lawn chair, a friend, or two or three and head to Downtown Ellsworth Thursday nights this summer.  Enjoy free live music at the Franklin Street Parklet every Thursday – the Downtown Summer Concert Series runs July 23rd to October 1st.  From local favorites to regional touring acts, they say you’ll find something for every musical taste. Heart of Ellsworth is credited with creating the gathering space, and Black Moon Public House has curated the concert lineup, with Wallace Events and others acting as sponsors.  The series kicks off at 7 p.m. on July 23rd with The Mallett Brothers Band.  For a full schedule of concert acts, visit ellsworthmaine.gov.

Juneteenth

(Undated)  Today, of course, is Juneteenth, so most state and federal offices are closed, and there’s no mail delivery.  Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state, and confirmed to slaves there that they had been set free with the January 1st signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.  It wasn’t until 2021 under then President Joe Biden that the day was officially declared a federal holiday.

Anah Shriners to Parade Through Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  The Anah Shriners are in Ellsworth this weekend, and they’ll be treating folks to a parade on Saturday, stepping off from Reny’s on High Street at 2 p.m.  The Shriners are making a full weekend of it with a golf tournament in Bar Harbor, a boat tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watch, dinners and entertainment as they present a New Noble.

Rotary Plans Annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast

(Ellsworth)  Keep an eye on The Rotary Club of Ellsworth’s social media pages – they say tickets will soon go on sale for the crowd-favorite annual blueberry pancake breakfast, this year set for August 1st from 7 to 10, under the tent at the Down East Family YMCA.  It’s definitely an all-you-can-eat meal you don’t want to miss, not only for the food, but also the many friends with whom you’ll no doubt reconnect.  Best of all, proceeds benefit the many wonderful causes supported by the Ellsworth Rotary.

Lewiston High School Grad Competes on America’s Got Talent

(Lewiston)  Lewiston High School graduate and U.S. Army Sergeant Isaac Atkins earned a Golden Buzzer this week from judge Mel B during auditions for America’s Got Talent Season 21.  Atkins performed an energetic cover of “Beggin” with his booming baritone and upper vocal register.  The Golden Buzzer sends Atkins, known online as the Singing Soldier, straight to the Live Shows in Hollywood, which will take place in August.

National News 06/19/26

Ancient Sherwood Forest Oak Dies

(London)  It’s unclear whether there was a real Robin Hood or if he’s just an amalgamation of characters who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor in old Nottingham, England.  Either way, it’s clear Sherwood Forest and a towering ancient oak likely played a role in his or their escapades. The tree has been protected since the 1970’s, but sources say the 1200 year old Major Oak has this year succumbed to climate change and the footprint left by the thousands who visit it each year.  Tree experts say the giant failed to produce leaves, and they found the root system strangled and starved.  The tree, mentioned in a 1790 book on oaks, is said to have sheltered the 13th century bandit who took refuge in the forest when pursued by the sheriff of Nottingham.  Perhaps it leaves behind an acorn or two that will grow into legends of their own.

National News 06/19/26

Gas Prices Dip Below $4/Gallon – Barely

(AP)  U.S. gas prices fell below $4 a gallon on average Thursday, though not by much.  It’s the first time since March and the U.S./Israel invasion of Iran on February 28th, that consumers have seen prices that low.  Triple A said gas prices were averaging $3.999 per gallon of regular.  President Trump on Wednesday signed an agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country.  Vice President JD Vance on Thursday announced the U.S. Navy has, as part of the agreement, lifted its blockade on Iranian ports by allowing more than a dozen ships to pass through.

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