Crime/Public Safety

Franklin Road Rage Incident

(Franklin)  Authorities have arrested an Eastbrook man in connection with a road rage incident on the Blackwoods Road in Franklin Friday.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department tells Downeast Digest initial reports indicate shortly before 12:30 that afternoon, 43 yo Shannon Abbott intentionally used his pickup truck to strike a motorcycle, forcing it into a guardrail.  The operator of the motorcycle lost control, left the roadway and crashed, resulting in serious injuries.  They say Abbott fled the scene, but witnesses were able to provide police with his plate number and other identifying information.  The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital then Lifeflighted for further treatment and remains in stable but serious condition.  Abbott was found and taken to the Hancock County Jail where he faces multiple charges, including elevated aggravated assault, aggravated driving to endanger, and leaving the scene of a personal injury crash.

Local Politics

Maine Dems Schedule Convention to Replace Platner

(Augusta)  The Democratic Party in Maine will hold a convention at the Cross Insurance Center, beginning at 9 a.m. on July 25th, for the purpose of replacing Senate Candidate Graham Platner, who dropped out last week amid ongoing allegations of impropriety. The convention will reportedly be made up of 601 voting members, with 500 being county delegates; the remaining members coming from the Democratic State Committee and its executive committee.  All certified candidates will appear on a first ballot, with the top five advancing to a second round and the last place candidate eliminated after each subsequent ballot until one receives a majority.  The deadline for naming a replacement to run against Republican Senator Susan Collins in November is July 27th.  

Economy

Gouldsboro Veterans Committee Supports Schoodic Food Pantry

(Gouldsboro)  The Gouldsboro Veterans Club gifted $500 from its yearly raffle and donations to the Schoodic Food Pantry, in order to support the pantry’s ongoing efforts in serving the community, which includes local veterans.  The pantry says the generous donation will enable them to continue their critical mission of supporting the community with the food assistance needed.  

Former Peter, Paul, and Mary Recording Studio for Sale

(Blue Hill)  The former recording studio belonging to Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame is for sale in Blue Hill.  The Bangor Daily News reports Stookey converted the four story chicken barn and henhouse into a professional recording studio and animation workspace that served as headquarters for Neworld Media Productions, a state-of-the-art facility.  The now multi-family dwelling has first and second floor units that each have two bedrooms and two baths, while the third floor has one and two bedroom apartments, and a seasonally-rented apartment on the top floor that once housed the studio.  The property is on the market for $1.2M.

Buck Memorial Library Exceeds Fundraising Goal

(Bucksport)  Buck Memorial Library in Bucksport is celebrating after generous donors helped them meet their challenge match from Isaac and Katelyn Bray.  In fact, they say they exceeded their goal by $3K, putting them closer to overcoming a $30K shortfall for next year.  The campaign continues through August 1st as they work to close the gap.  Amid tight municipal budgets, the Bucksport Town Council voted not to fund most nonprofits in this year’s budget, leaving many short of the funds needed in order to operate.

Town of Franklin Food Pantry Delays Opening

(Franklin)  The town of Franklin will be celebrating the opening of a food pantry – they just need a little more time for setup than originally planned.  An Open House was set for July 18th from 10 until Noon, but has now been moved to August 1st at 10 Main Street.  There will be a fundraiser for the pantry on Sunday, July 19th.  From 7:30 to 10, enjoy Breakfast by the Bay at the Franklin Community Center, featuring breakfast sandwiches and bowls, yogurt, muffins, cereal and more … all by donation only! 

The Messenger Animal Rescue Annual Fundraising Event

(Harrington)  The Annual Messenger Animal Rescue Fundraising Event has it all – raffles, a bake sale, a yard sale, a bottle drive, and a chance to help countless animals through spay and neuter, vet care, and in finding loving homes.  This is the third year for the amazing event, and there’s a new location – Harrington Elementary School.  Save your returnables and enjoy one of the most amazing fundraising events around, for one of the best causes.  Keep up with Sarah and her volunteers and the amazing work they do on FB, and join them July 25th from 9 until Noon at Harrington Elementary.

Camden Consolidation

(Ellsworth)  Camden National is banking on its upcoming consolidation to benefit its customers, employees; and, likely, its bottom line.  The Ellsworth American reports CNB will move its two existing locations – in downtown Ellsworth and on Myrick Street – to the former TD Bank building near Hannaford on High Street.  Both current locations will close during the transition, which is expected to happen in late summer or early fall; but they say there will be no interruption in service for customers.  Employees at both current locations will be moving to the new building.

Magic Food Bus Provides Food for Body and Mind

(Maine)  The Magic Food Bus is on a mission to provide food for thought, as well as nourishment for the body.  The bus is a seasonal, free traveling farmstand and mobile library operated by Healthy Peninsula that delivers fresh, local produce, books, and family resources directly to local communities from late June through the end of September.  Serving Blue Hill, Castine, Stonington, Surry and other nearby towns, they’re out and about on Thursdays and Fridays, and welcome anyone in need.  Stops last approximately 40 minutes, and you can find a schedule of specific dates and times on the Healthy Peninsula FB page.

Environment

Eastern/Northern Maine Declared Drought Free

(Maine)  For the first time in just under a year, the US Drought Monitor has declared all of Eastern and Northern Maine to be drought free.  The National Weather Service in Caribou says the 2025-26 drought event marked the worst drought for the state since the 2001-02 event.  However, forecasters say they remain overly cautious for the rest of the summer into fall as El Nino appears to be strengthening, which could lead to abnormally dry weather.  With no significant rainfall predicted here in Downeast Maine for at least the next week, they say things could easily deteriorate.  

Cherryfield Fish Passage Update

(Cherryfield)  The Downeast Salmon Federation tells Downeast Digest work has begun on the long-awaited fish passage improvement project.  Crews last week began excavation and earthwork to create a temporary bypass channel to reroute river flow around the construction site and allow fish to continue moving through the area during construction.  This week, work on the bypass channel continues,  and in-water construction will begin.  Members of the Maine Department of Marine Resources will be on site to safely rescue and relocate any fish that may become stranded as sections of the river become temporarily isolated.  They also remind folks the road to Cable Pool Park is closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic until future notice.

BHHT Trail System Closure Notice

(Blue Hill)  Take a hike – but not on the Blue Hill Mountain Trail system today, please.  Blue Hill Heritage Trust says the entire trail system on the mountain is closed today while work is completed on a cell phone tower.  Crews will be transporting heavy equipment by helicopter to the summit, so they’re asking folks NOT to attempt to access any of the trails while the closure is in effect.  They say additional work will take place later in the project, so check their website before planning your hike.  bluehillheritagetrust.org.

Human Interest

Woodlawn Offers Encore to Celebrate Birthday Event

(Ellsworth)  Woodlawn Ellsworth says the response to their Mary Cobb Black 250th Birthday Event was so amazing, they’re offering an encore to celebrate her remarkable legacy.  To honor her and the other women who helped to shape Woodlawn’s history, join them on Thursday, July 30th at 1 p.m. for a special behind-the-ropes tour of the Black House Museum.  The event is limited to 12 people, and will include stories of several women who were connected to the Black family and Woodlawn, while showcasing a selection of artifacts not currently on public display.  Cost is $20.  Register at woodlawnellsworth.org.

National News 07/13/26

Senator Lindsey Graham Dies Following Brief Illness

(AP)  Senator Lindsey Graham has died, following a “sudden and brief illness”.  The Associated Press reports Graham, a close Trump ally and foreign policy hawk, was 71.  Graham traveled the globe to advocate for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, advising Trump on matters such as the Iran war and Russia.  On Friday, he had announced an agreement with the Trump Administration to move forward on a package of Russian sanctions.  The President said Graham called him Saturday night, following a visit to Ukraine and sounded “tired but perfect”.  Graham’s family on Sunday asked for prayers and privacy.  Under South Carolina law, Republican Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement for Graham, who was seeking a fifth term in November.

U.S./Iran Continue Exchanging Attacks

(AP)  The United States on Sunday attacked Iran over an Iranian strike on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.  Iran responded with attacks on countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman – the nation on the other side of the strait which Tehran has pressed to join in managing traffic in the waterway.  The fighting raises new questions as Iran and the U.S. approach the midway point of a 60-day period of an interim deal aimed at reaching a permanent end to the war.  

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