Crime/Public Safety

MBHS Urges Drivers to Slow Down

(Augusta)  Ah, those laid back, slow moving days of summer!  The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is urging drivers to apply that to their driving habits as part of their summer speed reduction awareness campaign.  They say every year, communities across the U.S. are tragically hit with speed-related crashes, with young drivers often more prone to such accidents.  Between now and the end of July, from Aroostook to York Counties, more than 47 law enforcement agencies will continue conducting high visibility speed enforcement in order to save lives.  So slow down on the roads and keep it under the speed limit.  Summer days are much more enjoyable when you don’t end up in the hospital or having to pay a hefty fine for aggressive driving.

Bucksport Public Safety Chief Takes Job with Local School District

(Bucksport)  Longtime Bucksport Public Safety Chief Sean Geagan is going back to school.  The Bangor Daily News reports Geagan is leaving his position with the town to serve as Coordinator of Student Behavior and School Safety with RSU 25 schools.  The position is a newly created one, designed to address student behavior concerns and offer support to staff, while helping to build student/staff relationships across the district.  Geagan, who has worked for close to four decades in public safety, says he’s ready for the new adventure at which there appears to be a growing need in today’s school systems. 

New Restaurant Opens in Hancock

(Hancock)  There’s a delicious new place to eat in Hancock!  Whisk & Ladle Cafe and Catering Company opens its doors this morning, beginning with a menu featuring fresh juices and smoothies, coffee drinks, baked goods, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches … guaranteed to make your mouth water, along with soups, salads and sides.  They ask that you bring cash only this week as they get established.  Whisk & Ladle is conveniently located right on Route One.  The proprietors have plenty of experience as former owners of 2 Cats and Take a Hike in Bar Harbor, establishments the two sold after the murder of their daughter eight years ago.  Whisk & Ladle will be open from 7 to 2 – we can’t wait to try them!  

Water Safety

(Undated)  You’ve no doubt gotten the warnings on your phone or seen them on social media – summer temps are getting warmer again this week, which means many will be heading out onto the water. The Portland Press Herald spoke with experts about how to stay safe when swimming, boating, or participating in other water sports.  According to the American Red Cross, 80% of adults say they can swim, but fewer than half can perform the five water competency skills required to save their own lives (we’ve posted those on our FB page).  Lifeguards say know your limits and have an emergency plan in place.  Never swim alone, even in a pool.  If caught in a rip current, don’t fight it … float on your back, then swim parallel to the beach until out of the current.  Avoid alcohol, be aware of cold water temps, even on hot days.   If you see someone struggling, call 9-1-1 … and always wear a life jacket when on a watercraft.

Local Politics

Jonesport Schedules Hearing Affecting Kingfish Maine

(Jonesport)  The Jonesport Planning Board has scheduled a public hearing for tomorrow evening to consider changes to the town’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.  The Maine Monitor reports changes would give Kingfish Maine, which is proposing construction of a large aquaculture facility, an additional 30 months to make a “substantial start” on its proposed $110M project on Chandler Bay.  Construction was delayed by multiple appeals from opponents concerned about its environmental impact.  The project will eventually produce 8500 metric tons of yellowtail kingfish annually and provide up to 100 area jobs.  The hearing is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at Jonesport Elementary School.

Education

CSD 13 School Board Adopts Cell Phone Policy

(Deer Isle)  The CSD School Board in Deer Isle is the latest to approve the first read of a new cell phone policy as it works to comply with the statewide “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban before an August deadline set by the Maine legislature.  Island Ad-vantages reports the district already has a cell phone policy in place that was enacted in 2010 and revised in 2022.  The policy bars student usage except when authorized by the administration for specific educational, safety, or health-related use.  But students are currently allowed to use phones between classes and during lunch, which does not comply with the new state requirement.  Revisions are reportedly being made, and a second read of the re-drafted policy will be reviewed at the next meeting.

Environment

Billion Egg Challenge

(Maine)  The Billion Egg Challenge kicked off this week!  MaineBiz reports the statewide team competition among Maine lobstermen is designed to protect one billion lobster eggs through the industry’s longstanding V-notching conservation practice.  The challenge, presented by The Maine Lobstermen’s Association and the Maine Lobster Community Alliance, kicked off with a video launch from Winter Harbor harvester Jacob Knowles.  Beals Island harvester Sonny Beal says every V-notched lobster is an investment in the future.  V-notching their tails marks egg-bearing females before releasing them back into the ocean.  The Challenge proposes those one billion eggs could grow into 10 billion future lobsters.  The challenge runs through September 25th, designated by the U.S. Senate as National Lobster Day. Learn more at mainelobstermen.org.

Infrastructure

Contract Awarded for Lubec Breakwater Work

(Lubec)  A Sangerville firm has been awarded the contract for the Lubec Safe Harbor breakwater project, after coming in with the lowest of two bids.  According to the Bangor Daily News, both bids were significantly less than the amount of funding available for the project, which was scaled back from its original design.  The latest version of the project includes nearly 20 floats for berthing boats at the breakwater, which they say wasn’t in the design presented a couple of months ago.  The project was first put forward a decade ago and will include an approximately 600 foot-long breakwater.  Sources say construction will be paid for by federal and MDOT funds, with no funds coming from the town.  No start date has been decided, but the project is expected to take about two years to complete.

Human Interest

JoAnn Rodick is New Rotary Club of Ellsworth President

(Ellsworth)  The Rotary Club of Ellsworth has a new president.  Last week, the club celebrated Transition Night, recognizing the leadership, dedication, and service of Rebecca Toci the past two years and welcoming new president JoAnn Rodick.  The Rotarians say they look forward to another year of providing humanitarian service and helping to build good will and peace throughout our community and the world.  And by the way, have you gotten your tickets yet for the August 1st Blueberry Pancake Breakfast?  They’re available at the Ellsworth Chamber office or from any Rotarian.

Volunteers Pitch in to Spruce Up Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  A group of volunteers from the Ellsworth Moose Lodge was busy recently, spreading the love, spreading the looks, and spreading some loads of mulch along High Street in Ellsworth.  The gang of nine spent six hours helping to keep Ellsworth looking good – donating a total of 54 hours, altogether!  The City sends appreciation to Atlantic Landscape Construction, as well, for donating 20 yards of mulch, Diversified Contracting for donating a tractor, and Dollard Hill Firewood for donating a dump truck to help with the project.

Downtown Volunteer Cleanup Day

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth shines all on its own, but you have a chance to keep it sparkling for residents and our summer visitors on the second Downtown Volunteer Cleanup of the Year!  Meet at the Franklin Street Parklet on Friday, July 24th, and then head out to help with weeding, litter pickup, watering, and general tidying throughout the downtown core.  It’s a simple, hands-on way to care for the public spaces we all share.  Sign up on the Heart of Ellsworth FB page or at the link we’ve shared on ours – hope to see you there!

Green and White Hope Plans Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day

(Lubec)  Help honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to bolster Maine’s economy while providing fresh seafood during Maine Commercial Fishing Remembrance Day on July 21st.  The nonprofit Green and White Hope will lay wreaths at the Lost Fishermen’s Memorial in Lubec at 11 a.m., Fishermen’s Memorial Park in Boothbay Harbor at 3 p.m., and at six other memorial locations along the coast.  To learn more about the special day or sponsorships, visit Green and White Hope on FB.

Brian Nadeau to Perform in Machias

(Machias)  Looking for a great way to wrap up your Tuesday evening?  Our own Brian Nadeau and his Big Band will be performing tonight at 7 at the Centre Street Congregational Church in Machias.  The concert is free and will be followed by a reception sponsored by the Machias Arts Council.  Join us for a great evening with the best trumpeter around – Brian has performed with such other greats as Frankie Valli, the Manhattan Transfer, The Four Tops, the Temptations, and the Supremes.  Big Band sounds on a beautiful Maine summer evening – what could be better?

National News 07/07/26

Trump Administration Won’t Seek New Bids to Repair Reflecting Pool

(AP)  In spite of its disastrous failure, the Trump Administration says it won’t seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.  Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum say they’re 100% sure damage caused to the painted surface was caused by vandals, but have presented conflicting theories and zero evidence that a person or persons cut the paint with a knife or knives.  The administration says it will use the original contractor assigned to the job that resulted almost immediately in a green algae bloom, and when treated likely caused the paint to peel due to the chemicals used.  Among those accused of and arrested for damages is former Olympian David Hearn, who was indicted last week without evidence on a felony of property destruction.  Hearn insists he simply stuck his hand into the pool while cycling past.

Trial Begins for Accused Charlie Kirk Killer

(AP)  A weeklong preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk has begun.  According to the Associated Press, prosecutors aim to show they have enough evidence against Tyler Robinson to proceed to a trial.  The 23 yo Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10th assassination of Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University.  Robinson’s attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.

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