Crime/Public Safety

Crowd Packs Commissioners’ Meeting in Support of Washington County Manager

(Machias)  It was standing room only yesterday afternoon as County employees, former co-workers, a former Commissioner, state legislators, family, and friends attended the Washington County Commissioners meeting in support of Washington County Manager, Renee Gray, whom two of the commissioners, David Burns and Billy Howard, last week voted to terminate without cause.  Gray, who attended with her attorney, Jeff Davidson, was there in her capacity as manager, continuing to fill her remaining 20 days of contract.  Following the regular meeting, Burns opened the meeting for public comment.  Davidson stood, handed each commissioner a copy of a complaint, then read aloud the three page document alleging and providing specifics of illegal activity, threats, abuse, harassment, and multiple other grievances committed, particularly by Burns, against Gray, and giving them until today to reinstate her or face lawsuits.  Burns, visibly shaken, then angrily insisted Gray immediately clean out her office and leave, saying the county would pay her for the remainder of the 20 days.  Burns and Howard voted for the action;  Commissioner Courtney Hammond, who continues to support Gray, voted against the action. The crowd responded with controlled but clear disdain, with many calling for Burns to resign.  When Burns attempted to talk with Gray’s attorney, Davidson told him to go through his own legal counsel.

Waldo County Drug Bust

(Belfast)  A major drug bust in Waldo County this week.  The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office tell Downeast Digest on Wednesday they received information on a man they say had been under surveillance. The information indicated he was headed to Belfast with a significant amount of cocaine for sale.  Agents approached the suspect, identified as 31 yo Juan Antonio Arias Almonte of Massachusetts, in a Belfast parking lot and conducted a search of his vehicle, which yielded drugs with a street value of $17K. Almonte was taken to the Waldo County Jail to await an initial court appearance.  Authorities say more arrests in connection with the incident are likely.

Washington County Crash

(Trescott Twp)  Authorities say speed and alcohol were likely factors in a serious Wednesday afternoon crash in Washington County.  Public safety officials say 24 yo Christopher Davenport was southbound on Dixie Road about 4:10 p.m. when his vehicle left the roadway.  Davenport, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected, causing serious injuries.  The victim was taken to Down East Community Hospital and later transferred to Maine Medical in Portland.  An investigation is ongoing.

Local Politics

Dems Wrestle with Replacing Platner

(Augusta)  Now that popular favorite Graham Platner has dropped out of the race for U.S. Senate, the Democratic Party is tasked with choosing a replacement – something that must happen in a little over two weeks.  Platner, a party darling highly favored to win a contest against long-time Republican Senator Susan Collins, stepped down Wednesday after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault, another in a string of concerns that have plagued the candidate … and an allegation Platner denies.  Possible contenders to replace Platner include former CDC Director Nirav Shah, former Senate president Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and Jordan Wood, a former U.S. Senate candidate.  The deadline to select a new candidate is July 27th.  

Bar Harbor Citizen Initiative on Immigration Enforcement

(Bar Harbor)  The town of Bar Harbor has signed into law a citizen initiative dealing with immigration enforcement and regulations regarding how and when local authorities can cooperate with federal agencies.  The Mount Desert Islander reports by a vote of 5 to 1 this week, with Councilor Steve Boucher absent, members of council voted to adopt the ordinance, which received the necessary number of signatures before it was brought before the governing body.  The ordinance builds on a state law the group felt was insufficient in certain areas.  Those behind the push say it will help ensure constitutional protections at all times for persons visiting or living under it and is designed to “guarantee essential freedoms for all, all of the time.”

Economy

Low Income, Elderly Housing Available in Rockland

(Rockland)  MCH, or Making Community Happen, is now accepting applications for the Methodist Conference Home and Rankin Center, both in Rockland.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports efficiency and one bedroom units are available, with rent being 30% of income.  That includes utilities and parking, and they say units are pet friendly.  Income limits apply.  Applicants must be at least 62 years old and/or disabled.  Call MCH at 594-2743.

Farm to Table Dinner at Conscious Cafe

(Ellsworth)  It’s nearly impossible to get a seat at the famous farm-to-table dinner at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine.  This weekend, no postcards needed for an affordable organic farm-fresh dinner right here in Ellsworth.  The Conscious Cafe will be serving that up Sunday evening at 6, with Root to Rise Farm and Rainbow Farm, and special live music.  They asked folks to RSVP by this past Wednesday; but it likely wouldn’t hurt to contact them today if your taste buds are watering.  Email roottorisefarmmaine@gmail.com.

Teens Open Food Truck in NE Harbor

(NE Harbor)  A group of local teens has brought a refreshing venue to Northeast Harbor, just in time for those hot summer days.  The Mount Desert Islander reports 17 yo Isaiah Sexton was brainstorming a business idea and noticed limited options for fresh smoothies where he lives.  With the help of his parents and two best friends, Wells Morehouse and Trevor Brophy, Sexton began “blending” it all together this past winter.  He says his mom really inspired him and helped in developing the menu, working to perfect each smoothie recipe, set prices, and make business decisions.  For now, The Berry Spot serves smoothies, acai bowls, juices and lemonade, but they hope to also offer breakfast burritos and take the truck to events off the island.   Visit them on the green from 8:30 to 2 weekdays and 8:30 til noon on Saturdays.  

Song & Dance Night to Benefit Loaves and Fishes

(Ellsworth)  Maybe you couldn’t make it to Taylor Swift’s wedding in New York City (we didn’t get an invitation, either), but you can celebrate the big event right here in Ellsworth and benefit the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in the process!  On August 1st, head to Black Moon Public House for a Taylor Swift-themed song and dance night, featuring Swift-inspired raffles, merch, and friendship bracelets.  Swift is widely known for her philanthropy, and the night will be a fun local opportunity for the community to help those in need.  Loaves & Fishes serves more than 5100 neighbors, countywide, distributing more than a million pounds of food each year.  Be a part of the goodness.  The fun begins at 5 p.m.,  August 1st at Black Moon Public House in downtown Ellsworth.

Environment

Ellsworth Launches Tree Inventory

(Ellsworth)  Trees – they provide beauty, shade, clean air, and shelter for critters, even in urban areas.  That’s one reason the City of Ellsworth wants to protect them … and why they’ve launched an ambitious program to catalogue all trees in the city’s rights of way to determine their relative health, look for invasive pests, and analyze growth.  Volunteers armed with measuring tapes and smartphones will be walking the streets to collect basic information about street trees, beginning with the downtown core.  No experience is necessary.  The information gathered will guide future planting, maintenance, and long-term planning for Ellsworth’s urban forest.  Let the City know if you can help any Wednesday or Friday from July 15th through August 14th between 9:30 and 12:30.  RSVP to treesteward@ellsworthmaine.gov.

CDC Warns of Active Mosquito Season

(Maine)  Here in Maine, no one needs to warn us of mosquito season.  As soon as the weather slightly warms, they’re out for blood.  But the Maine CDC is urging residents and visitors to prevent those mosquito bites.  Mosquitoes in the Pine Tree State carry three viruses – Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon Virus, and West Nile Virus, according to a press release.  Most who are sickened by the pests’ pokes experience mild, flu-like symptoms.  But mosquitoes can cause serious illness, resulting in neck stiffness, speech difficulties, and confusion … even seizures.  The bites can infect pets and farm animals as well.  The CDC recommends wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks, removing standing water, using an EPA-approved repellant, and changing water in birdbaths and pet bowls frequently.  

Human Interest

Ellsworth Downtown Summer Concert Series

(Ellsworth)  The Downtown Ellsworth Summer Concert Series kicks off July 23rd with the Mallett Brothers Band.  Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, then bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music … beginning at 7 p.m. every Thursday evening at the Franklin Street Parklet.  The eleven-week series will fill the vibrant downtown area with live music, community connection and summer fun.  The City sends kudos to Heart of Ellsworth for helping to develop the parklet, a summer destination for gatherings, and Black Moon Public House for curating this year’s concert lineup.  Visit ellsworthmaine.gov for a complete schedule.

Maine Monitor Wins Awards for Coverage of Washington County Budget Crisis

(Undated)  The Maine Monitor garnered five awards this week from the National Newspaper Association Foundation, one of the largest newspaper associations in the country.  The awards included three first-place accolades, including honors for Daniel O’Connor, Evan W. Houk, and Monitor Local Editor Judith Meyer, who received first place recognition in the best local government reporting category for their extensive coverage of the Washington County budget crisis.  This year’s competition saw more than 700 awards given to 93 newspapers from around the country.  The Maine Monitor is one of the major resources Downeast Digest browses in order to bring you the latest local headlines each week.

National News 07/10/26

Denmark Celebrates World Santa Congress

(AP)  While Europe continues sweating through a summer heat wave, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Danish city of Aalborg.  The Associated Press reports dozens of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves from around the world have gathered in Denmark’s fourth largest city for the annual World Santa Claus Congress.  The congress has been a yearly festivity since 1957 – marking its 70th anniversary next year.  The packed agenda features gingerbread eating, gift wrapping, and balloon modeling contests, along with several parades … no word on reindeer, but we’re sure kids in attendance are exhibiting their best behavior.  

Trump Continues Sending Mixed Messages About War in Iran

(Washington, DC)  President Trump continued sending mixed messages about the war in Iran this week, even as both sides engaged in a new round of attacks.  The Associated Press reports Trump said he’s not sure he wants to deal anymore and that the U.S. should “finish the job”, then insisted the renewed action doesn’t mean a return to war or long-term action.  One official claims high level communications to salvage the ceasefire were happening around the clock in delicate behind-the-scenes negotiations.

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