Crime/Public Safety

ICE Related Shooting in Biddeford

(Biddeford)  Only days after ICE agents shot and killed a man in Houston, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers yesterday fatally shot a man in Biddeford.  A press release issued by the Attorney General’s office indicated an officer was conducting an enforcement operation when the subject attempted to flee in a vehicle in the direction of the officer and was fatally shot.  But CNN reports, Maine Senator Angus King spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who later said the victim was not the target of the warrant.  The shooting comes just days after a federal agent fatally shot a Mexican immigrant during a traffic stop in Houston, renewing calls for accountability among ICE agents.  In January, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both American citizens, were shot and killed in Minneapolis by agents acting on behalf of the federal government.  

(Biddeford)  After initially claiming the victim shot and killed yesterday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Biddeford was fleeing a warrant, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin backtracked and told the office of Senator Angus King the man who was shot was NOT the target of the warrant.  A press release from the Attorney General’s office had indicated an officer was conducting an enforcement operation in Biddeford when the subject attempted to flee in a vehicle, aimed in the direction of the ICE agent, who then fired at the person, fatally wounding him. The shooting comes just days after an ICE agent killed a Mexican immigrant during a traffic stop in Houston, and just months after two American citizens died at the hands of agents acting on behalf of the U.S. government.  CNN reports the Mexican government plans to file complaints with the U.S. Justice Department on behalf of the Houston victim and 16 other Mexican nationals during immigration authorities’ operations.

Otis Pond Drowning

(Otis)  A Tremont woman died Sunday following a possible medical event that occurred while she was in Beech Hill Pond in Otis.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Downeast Digest shortly before 4:30 p.m., authorities received a 9-1-1 call reporting an unresponsive female had been found in the pond off Salisbury Cove Road.  Bystanders pulled the woman from the water and began CPR until first responders arrived and continued to attempt lifesaving efforts.  The victim has been identified as 67 yo Deborah Wedge.  The incident remains under investigation, but officials say there is no indication of suspicious circumstances or foul play.

Local Politics

City of Ellsworth Hires New CFO

(Ellsworth)  The City of Ellsworth has hired Surry Treasurer Chris Nemeth to serve as new Chief Financial Officer.  City Manager Charlie Pearce told news outlets, the search for a replacement for former Finance Director Nate Moore (who left in February for a job in Colorado) was a competitive one, with 64 applicants narrowed down to nine interviewees.  Nemeth, the seventh person to oversee city finances in a decade, will oversee financial operations, budgeting, long-term financial planning and reporting.  He’ll receive an annual salary of $120K, while prioritizing fiscal reconciliation, strengthening internal structures, improving financial timeline reporting, and completing audit findings.  Nemeth will officially step into the role on July 31st.

Director of Planning and Urban Development Resigns

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth’s Director of Urban Planning and Development has resigned.  The Ellsworth American reports Danielle Gift’s last day on the job was July 2nd. Gift served about nine months in the position.  In an interview, Gift said her stepping down was because of an opportunity to serve as Vice President of Urban and Community Forestry with American Forests, a nonprofit conservation group based in Washington, DC that focuses on natural resource advocacy and policy work.  Since the work is remote, Gift plans to stay in Ellsworth and become active as a member of the city’s Arbor Commission.  

Economy

Popular Coffee Truck Brings Brews to Swans Island

(Swans Island)  We all love our morning brew, and there’s no shortage of coffee purveyors here on the mainland.  But on Swans Island, one of the state’s unbridged, people head for a popular coffee truck, operated by Amy Bamford Hopkins, known as Bettie’s Not Cooking – we love the name already!  MaineBiz reports Bettie’s serves up hand-roasted coffees, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods to locals and visitors alike.  Sustaining a business in a spot with fewer than 400 year-round residents can be challenging; but Hopkins says in the summertime, the island swells with tourists and seasonal visitors.  A year round ferry operates a 40-minute crossing from Bass Harbor, and if you travel after September 30th, the weather cools and so do the ferry rates.  But the coffee is always hot and welcoming.

Infrastructure

Water Street Work

(Ellsworth)  Traffic on Water Street near downtown Ellsworth is often backed up, and it could be even worse tomorrow and Thursday, as crews begin repairing a septic line in front of Eyes PA.  The City says flaggers will be directing traffic, and motorists may experience short delays while the work is being completed.  They ask drivers to slow down, be patient, and give themselves a little extra time when traveling in the area on July 15th and 16th.

Human Interest

Bestselling Author to Speak at MDI High School

(Bar Harbor)  Christina Baker Kline, bestselling author of The Orphan Train  and other novels, will speak next Tuesday at MDI High School.  Kline’s talk will focus on one of her latest offerings, the true story of Chang and Eng Bunker, conjoined twins from Siam who even married different partners.  The event, which runs from 5:30 to 6:30 on July 21st, was organized by the Jesup Memorial, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor Public Libraries and requires registration at swhplibrary.org.

ReShine Online Thrift Presents Christmas in July

(Cherryfield)  If you’re in need of a cool thought on this hot summer day, think Christmas in July!  On Saturday, July 25th, ReShine Kids Thrift in Cherryfield presents a Christmas in July Chinese Auction.  From 11 to 4, enjoy 50/50 raffles, door prizes, an auction, and more, with all proceeds going to benefit this organization that does so much for children in need.  ReShine firmly believes every child deserves equal access to basic necessities without judgment of income.  Their mission is to provide free diapers, wipes and basic hygiene items to families in Washington County.  Their FB page, ReShine Online Thrift , is designed to fund their mission, and you can visit that now and bid on some amazing items.  That’s Christmas in July, July 25th from 11-4, hosted by First Congregational Church in Cherryfield.

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic

(Harrington)  Here’s an easy and affordable way to stop animal suffering.  PALS and The Messenger Animal Rescue are partnering to host a low-cost cat spay/neuter clinic in Harrington on August 22nd.  The clinic will be held at 1373 Main Street and is limited to 30 cats.  Advance registration and pre-payment are required in order to reserve a spot.  If you are in the Bangor area, PALS is partnering with Cat Life Maine for an additional spay/neuter clinic on August 10th in the Bangor Mall parking lot.  For cost and registration, required at both events, visit palscatshelterwinthrop.com.

Winter Harbor Historical Society

(Winter Harbor)  Is there a link between Winter Harbor, Maine and the Titanic?  Turns out, there are actually many connections between the tragic voyage and the families of Grindstone Point.  You’re invited to hear Raconteur Larry Smith discuss those connections on July 24th, at 6 p.m. at Hammond Hall, as part of the Winter Harbor History series.  You can also cool off at the Winter Harbor Public Library while the Winter Harbor Historical Society museum is closed.  Relax in a cozy chair and listen to the 1973 recording of fisherman Dale Torrey or one of the many other recorded programs on their website.

Heart of Ellsworth Launches Summer of Clay

(Ellsworth)  Heart of Ellsworth is expanding their creative programming at its makerspace at 16 State Street with the addition of “Summer of Clay”.  The inaugural program begins July 28th with The Handbuilding Series, a six-weeks experience designed for beginners and returning makers alike.  Each session, designed to stand on its own, will explore a new handbuilding technique and project, as participants create functional and decorative ceramic pieces.  Open to ages 12 and up, all levels are welcome, and materials and firing are included.  Learn more and register at makerspaceat16state.org.

National News – July 14th, 2026

IRS Settlement

(NYT)  In a scathing review yesterday, a federal judge ruled President Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service was an improper exercise in self-dealing.  According to The New York Times, the ruling didn’t explicitly kill the settlement Trump worked out with his own government at taxpayers’ expense, but referred the attorney that brought the case to the Florida state bar for potential disciplinary action.

Trump Recommends Appointment of Graham’s Sister as Replacement

(AP)  Republicans were scrambling Monday to replace the late Senator Lindsay Graham, who died unexpectedly Sunday, reportedly of a tear in his aortic artery.  At the recommendation of President Trump, the Associated Press says South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster on Monday appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as a temporary replacement to serve out Graham’s term, which expires in January.  

U.S. Military Reimposes Blockade on Iranian Ports

(WaPo)  The U.S. Military on Monday reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, taking away the last major concession to Tehran that had helped foster a ceasefire, and significantly escalating the conflict.  According to the Washington Post, the blockade only stops Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, which, before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February, carried one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies.  The decision comes after days of renewed bombing by both the U.S. and Iran as they fight for control of the crucial waterway.

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