Public Safety/Crime

Sullivan Motorcyclist Killed

(Sullivan)  A motorcyclist from Sullivan was killed Friday morning on Route One near the Washington Junction Road.  Maine State Police responded to the fatal crash shortly before 8:30.   An initial investigation indicates 44 yo Jim Hoyt was westbound, when his motorcycle crossed into the eastbound lane and hit a pickup truck head on.  Hoyt, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the pickup sustained minor injuries.  Route One was closed for a time while troopers investigated the scene.

Robbins Family Member Passes Away

(Searsmont)  A third victim has succumbed to injuries suffered during the May 15th fire and explosion at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.  A member of the Robbins’ family, Alden Robbins, died July 2nd.  The family issued a statement of gratitude for the exceptional care received by the medical teams at Maine Medical Center in Portland and the Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.  A celebration of life is planned for a later date, with details to be released shortly.  The explosion also killed Morrill Firefighter Andrew Cross, who died at the scene, and Searsmont Assistant Chief Wayne Woodbury who passed away June 14th from injuries sustained in the tragedy.

Rockport Police Investigate Fall from Bridge

(Rockport)  Rockport authorities continue to investigate after a person fell from the Goose River Bridge on July 2nd.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports the victim, who was not named, died at the scene, despite lifesaving efforts by first responders.  The incident happened shortly after 6 p.m. on the bridge that connects Pascal Avenue to Main Street in downtown Rockport.

Tremont Boat Fire

(Tremont)  The Tremont Fire Department is crediting the U.S. Coast Guard, the community, and other agencies and first responders for the swift and efficient handling of a boat fire in the area of Thurston’s Wharf on July 3rd.  Members of TFD were called to the area about 10:30 Friday night and quickly determined the blaze was spreading from the stern, rapidly consuming the pilothouse, and resulting in a violent rupturing of the fuel and hydraulic tanks.  Containment actions prevented an environmental catastrophe, and firefighters worked to move the burning vessel away from nearby skiffs.  The Maine Department of Marine Resources assessed the water quality in and around the harbor’s live lobster holding areas and found no immediate concerns.

Local Politics

Recall Group Fails to Collect Necessary Signatures

(Ellsworth)  Efforts by a group of Ellsworth citizens to collect enough signatures to recall five of the city’s seven councilors fell short of the number required for the initiative.  Organizers gathered around 880 valid signatures per petition, leaving them about 400 short for each councilor, and short of the number needed to trigger a recall election.  The recall push was led by local resident Tiffany Gasper and included John Linnehan, who has run unsuccessfully for council numerous times.  Organizers say the recall was prompted by city spending, rising property taxes, a lack of transparency, and retaliation for the council’s decision to censure councilor Steve O’Halloran.

Commissioners Terminate Washington County Manager Without Cause

(Machias)  Without cause or even so much as a single evaluation, two of the three Washington County Commissioners, David Burns and Billy Howard, on Thursday voted to terminate Washington County Administrator Renee Gray.  Commissioner Courtney Hammond was strongly against the decision.  Gray, known for her expertise in municipal government, has faced strong pushback from Burns and Howard almost from the beginning, the two refusing to work with her, even as she led the County through an unprecedented financial crisis that began before she was hired. Following disclosure of the matter in an article in the Maine Monitor, social media filled with support for Gray, a lifelong resident of Washington County, long championed for her transparency and work ethic and for her nearly three decades of service as an Advanced EMT.  At the urging of legislators, former Commissioners, and others, Gray is in the process of securing legal counsel and plans to pursue the matter for the good of the county.

Court Rules on Return of Signs to National Parks

(ANP)  The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston last week ruled that the federal government did not have to return signs to national parks and monuments by July 3rd.  The signs, removed by order of the Trump Administration, involved climate science and indigenous history in places like Acadia National Park.  The Portland Press Herald reports last month, federal officials were ordered to restore the signage by last Friday, including dozens of Acadia’s displays on warming oceans and Wabanaki heritage.

Economy

Demand for Workforce Housing Sees Thurlow’s Way Quickly Filled

(Stonington)  Strong demand for workforce housing in the Deer Isle-Stonington area has meant the quick filling of the newly-built Thurlow’s Way.  Island Ad-Vantages reports only two of the 12 units were still available as of last week.  The units, located off Cemetery Road, were built as middle-income housing and were move-in ready in an impressive eight months, start to finish.  Sam Harrington, chair of the board, said the housing was conceived with a community for teachers, healthcare, and other essential workers in mind.  As the state doesn’t provide subsidies for such projects, about two-thirds of the funds needed to build were raised from private citizens and donors, the other third paid for by a bank loan.

Stonington Opera House Adds $3M to Local Economy

(Stonington)  A study detailed by Penobscot Bay Press reveals Stonington’s Opera House Arts is a major economic driver of the local community.  The study found the venue adds an estimated $3M a year, with arts-goers significantly boosting nearby businesses, such as local Boyce’s Motel and dining spots, through direct spending on lodging, food, and travel.  Keep up with them on FB and at operahousearts.org

Infrastructure

Crews Begin Refreshing Paint Lines in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Beginning this week, crews will start repainting crosswalks, stop bars, directional arrows, parking lot lines and other pavement markings throughout Ellsworth.  The City tells Downeast Digest there are no planned road closures, but drivers may encounter temporary lane shifts or minor traffic pattern changes as crews move between areas.  Drivers are asked to slow down, stay alert, and follow any temporary traffic controls.  And by all means avoid driving over the fresh paint – those who learned the hard way say it’s next to impossible to remove from your vehicle.

Human Interest

Former Director of The Grand to Head Billings, Montana Theatre

(Ellsworth)  Nick Turner, who brought unmatched talent and productions to The Grand Theatre in Ellsworth, has been hired as Executive Director of the Alberta Bair Theater in Billings, Montana.  The ABT is the largest fully equipped performing arts venue in the state, hosting local and touring performances from Broadway shows and concerts to dance and opera and features a main floor, loge, and balcony.  Turner, who spent many years in Colorado before coming to Maine, tells Downeast Digest he is very happy to be back in the mountain west, but expects to be back here for visits as his daughter finishes her senior year at Ellsworth High School.

ABC News Celebrates 250th Atop Cadillac Mountain

(Maine)  No better place to watch America’s 250th year dawn than atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.  ABC News’s Gio Benitez reported from the summit and was clearly awed by the scenery and crowds who also gathered to watch the sunrise Saturday.  We’ve posted the reel on our FB page.  

Versant Power Astronomy Center Enjoys Renovations

(Orono)  Visitors to the Versant Power Astronomy Center on the UMaine Campus in Orono will be over the moon when they relax in the new seats and walk on the new carpet being installed there.  Renovations are expected to be completed in time for the July 10th Friday evening feature.  This month, Moonbase: The Next Step will take a look at the plans for the Artemis missions and long-term settlement on the lunar surface.  The Sunday family program during July will help kids discover the path of the Sun, phases of the Moon, and the way the earth and those celestial objects are related.  And the Sunday 4 p.m. music shows feature Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon.  For dates, times, tickets, and more, visit astro.umaine.edu.

Summer in Surry Art + Craft Market

(Surry)  Less than two weeks til the Summer in Surry Art + Craft Market.  On July 18th, visit the Blue Hill Farmer’s Market and pick up eggs, bacon, tomatoes, maple syrup, flowers and more … then head over to the Old Village School House, where local creatives – authors, bakers, curators, potters, painters, woodworkers and others will sell their wares at the Summer in Surry Local Art + Craft Market from 10 until 2.  Plus, the famous Pugnuts Ice Cream and Gelato Shoppe will be onsite to delight your tastebuds!  No better place to be on July 18th – 7 Toddy Pond Road in Surry!  Visit Summer in Surry Art + Craft Market on FB to learn more!

National News 07/06/26

Fourth of July Across the Country

(AP) Wildfires continued burning out of control across much of Colorado, fireworks set off a blaze on the Brooklyn Bridge, and the President’s big speech and celebration of the Nation’s 250th was delayed by Mother Nature.  Attendees at the relatively sparsely attended official “Salute to America 250” on the National Mall were evacuated due to severe thunderstorms and heat warnings, though President Trump was able to later make his planned speech.  Hundreds of masked men associated with the white supremacist group “Patriot Front” marched through the city near Union Station and Capitol Hill, sparking safety concerns, but the Associated Press reports the event went long into the night without major incident.  

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