Crime/Public Safety

Penobscot Arson Fire

(Indian Island)  Authorities are investigating a fire they’re calling arson that happened on Indian Island just outside Old Town yesterday morning.  Public Safety Officials tell Downeast Digest they responded to a building owned by the Penobscot Nation on Wabanaki Way just after 2 a.m. Wednesday.  They say the blaze caused significant damage, though no one was hurt.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Penobscot Nation Police Department or the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Kingfield Veterinary Clinic Blaze

(Kingfield)  A fire and explosions rocked a veterinary clinic Tuesday afternoon in Kingfield.   Fire Marshall investigators responded to the Carrabasset Valley Veterinary Clinic shortly after 3:30 p.m. while firefighters worked to put out the blaze.  The building, a large two story structure that was occupied at the time of the fire, is considered a total loss; but all employees and animals that were inside the clinic were safely evacuated, along with a resident in an upstairs apartment.  Two cats that were inside the apartment perished.  A preliminary investigation indicates the fire began outside the rear of the building near some trash storage.  The actual cause remains under investigation.

MidCoast Businesses Support Finding Our Voices

(Belfast) Lemon smoothies, bananas, pineapple margaritas, polenta –  what do they all have in common?  They’re featured on the menus of 91 Midcoast businesses, along with 35 businesses in Bucksport and Blue Hill.  During July, a portion of all designated special yellow “Into the Light” menu, clothing, and drink items will be donated to “Finding Our Voices”, a nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse.  Brighten the lives of Maine domestic abuse survivors with your purchase – you’ll find a list of participating retailers and eateries at findingourvoices.net.

Local Politics

Maine Democratic Party Calls Emergency Meeting; Platner Resigns

(Augusta)  Under pressure from his party and others, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner last night suspended his campaign.  The Maine Democratic Party had called an emergency meeting and passed a motion Wednesday night to hold a 600-person nominating convention to replace Platner if he was to drop out.  One source who was in the meeting reportedly told NewsCenter Maine a candidate would have to declare their candidacy with the party and submit 200 signatures of support.  That same source said there will be a meeting today with committee leaders and the 16 county chairs.

Jackson Files with FEC

(Augusta)  Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson has reportedly filed with the FEC to form an exploratory committee for a potential run for U.S. Senate in the event Graham Platner withdraws before Monday’s deadline.  Jackson told Maine Newsroom, “The allegations against Graham Platner are serious, credible, and deserving of full accountability – they cannot and must not be ignored.”  As mentioned, Platner resigned Wednesday night after allegations of sexual assault by a former girlfriend surfaced, leading to pressure from party operatives and others.  

Economy

Sweet Spot Sold

(Ellsworth)  The Sweet Spot candy and baked goods shop in downtown Ellsworth will soon be under new management.  Owner Carolyn Corro posted on FB she sold the business to a pair of first-time business entrepreneurs who will be learning the menu and creating new items.  New owners Keanna and Jason will be taking the reins as of this Sunday, July 12th.  As for her future plans, Corro says she plans to relocate to the banks of the Kenduskeag in north Bangor and return to her roots as a home baker with a farm stand, which she hopes to have up and running next spring.

Sweet Cheeks Bakery Closes Ellsworth Location

(Ellsworth)  The owners of Sweet Cheeks Bakery yesterday abruptly closed their Ellsworth storefront, although they will continue their 24/7 vending room at the Mill Mall.  According to a FB post, rising costs, the recent loss of multiple family members, slower sales, and the loss of an important staff member all contributed to the decision.  The team thanked the faithful customers who frequently visited and supported them and say they’ll continue to maintain their other locations, including their popular diner in Bucksport.

Ellsworth Chamber Begins Planning for Autumn Gold

(Ellsworth)  No one in Maine wants to rush summer – but there’s no denying, across the state, autumn is the most magical, colorful season!  The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce is planning this year’s Autumn Gold and is looking for recommendations for local food trucks from our surrounding communities to join the fun!  The event includes a Car Show, Kids Zone, and full day of family-friendly activities, with an amazing lineup of food vendors.  Head to the Chamber’s FB page and tag your favorite on the post you’ll find there … or email the Chamber with your delicious recommendation.

Education

EPL Offers Free Program for New Moms

(Ellsworth)  There’s really no manual for becoming a new mom – so many questions about sleep habits, milestones, diaper changes … and breastfeeding.  Robin Snyder-Drummond, a former childbirth educator and doula and currently a lactation consultant with IBCLC, has been hosting Mothers’ Circle at the Ellsworth Public Library the second and fourth Thursdays of the month since February – and the library says the program has been well-received by patrons.  Geared toward babies six months and younger with their caregiver, mother, or grandmother, the gatherings offer a place to meet others, share stories, ask questions, have tea, and chat.  Robin also invites experts in for presentations on a regular basis, and the program is provided at no cost.  August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month – but why wait until then?  Join them this morning from 9 to 10:30 at the Ellsworth Public Library!

Environment

Shaw Institute Features Rare Blue Lobster

(Blue Hill)  Blue lobsters are a one in a two-million rarity – but you can see one right in Blue Hill at the Shaw Institute … along with their amazing touch tank, seahorses, and more.  To christen the colorful crustacean, the Institute is holding a public naming contest through the end of July, with five “finalist” names then selected to determine the magical moniker.  The River Observer reports the lobster’s striking blue shell is the result of a rare genetic mutation that causes the creature to overproduce a protein known as crustacyanin.  The yet-to-be-named wonder was provided to the Shaw Institute by South Thomaston-based Attwood Lobster Company.  For days and hours to visit and to submit your entry, visit shawinstitute.org.

Human Interest

Lost Purse Returned

(Cherryfield)  Finally, a story confirming there are still a lot of wonderful people in this world.  Last week, a local Downeast business posted that their cook had lost her purse at a recent event in Cherryfield.  The purse contained important personal information, her green card and driver’s license; and possibly a good deal of cash.  A wonderful family from Jonesport found the purse; and while they never looked inside, they had seen the post about the missing item on FB and promptly returned it, asking nothing in return – although the eatery did insist on gifting them a $100 gift card.  

Art of Ellsworth Seeks Vendors for Maine Craft Weekend

(Ellsworth)  Art of Ellsworth – Maine Craft Weekend is planning ahead for their big October event, and they’d like to include events, pop-ups, demos, specials, performances, workshops and creative little happenings for the October 1st through 4th activity.  If you have something brewing, submit it at the link on the Heart of Ellsworth FB page, where you’ll also find a list of more specific things they’re hoping to include … local food, shopping, and downtown specials. Let Heart of Ellsworth know if you’d like to be a part of this special weekend!  

Downeast Scenic Railroad Looking for Volunteers

(Ellsworth)  Kids and adults alike have long been fascinated by trains.  Now you can learn how to run a railroad in your own backyard, no experience necessary.  Downeast Scenic Railroad is a 100% volunteer-run organization, and they’re always looking for new folks to join and be willing to get their hands a little dirty.  Whether you’d like to learn track maintenance, train to become a car attendant, help out in the ticket booth, or work your way up to engineer, they’ll teach you everything you need to know.  Drop them a line, or check out Downeast Scenic Railroad on FB.  

Milbridge Summer Concert Series

(Milbridge)  Looking for something fun this Friday evening?  Head over to the Milbridge Theatre and Community Arts Center for a free summer concert featuring Gordon Thomas & Veronica Ward.  Concerts at the Milbridge Town Marina then kick off July 26th with the Alison Ames Band, followed by August concerts featuring Darlin’ Corey Trio, Caleb Jolley on Acoustic Guitar, Flash in the Pans Steel Drum Band, and the Crown Vics.  Enjoy lively music, food vendors, and beautiful evenings on the water.  For a complete schedule, visit MTCAC on Facebook!

National News 07/08/26

Federal Judge Orders Trump to Pay Sexual Abuse Victim

(ABC)  A federal judge on Wednesday ordered President Donald Trump to pay what he owes to E. Jean Carroll after a jury held him liable for sexually abusing and defaming her.  ABC News reports Judge Lewis Kaplan ordered disbursement of the $5M judgement, plus almost $800K in interest.  In a separate but related case, a jury determined Trump owes Carroll an additional $83M, although that case is still going through the appeals process.  

Iran Ceasefire Ends 

(Dubai)  U.S. President Donald Trump Wednesday threatened to unleash more military strikes against Iran after claiming Iranian attacks launched Tuesday signaled the end of the ceasefire.  Trump later said the exchange did not herald a return to full-scale war.  The Associated Press reports Trump, known for sending mixed messages about his intentions, has repeatedly threatened to escalate strikes against the Middle Eastern country, only to pull back after claiming diplomatic progress.

© 2026 Downeast Digest News.  All rights reserved.