Crime/Public Service

Update on Biddeford Shooting

(Biddeford)  An update this morning on that ICE-related shooting in Biddeford.  Sources say the victim was 26 yo Joan Sebastian Guerrero from Colombia.  Guerrero had been issued a Social Security number and was authorized to work in the United States.   The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition confirmed he was not the target of the immigration operation.  Surveillance video shows the moments leading up to and including the deadly shooting, after which Guerrero’s car came to a stop and agents can be seen dragging his body from the vehicle.  Guerrero leaves behind a wife and three-year-old child.  The incident sparked a massive protest, and the Attorney General’s Office confirmed they were investigating the use of deadly force.  CNN reports during the second Trump administration, since early 2025, there have been at least 39 shootings by immigration agents acting on behalf of the federal government, resulting in nine deaths.

Trump Administration Orders ICE to Suspend Most Vehicle Stops

(Biddeford)  The Trump Administration on Tuesday ordered ICE to suspend most vehicle stops after two deadly shootings in just over a week. The order comes a day after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a Colombian driver in Biddeford, Maine, Joan Sebastian Guerrero, who had a Social Security number and who was authorized to work in the U.S.  The Associated Press reports agents had a warrant, but the 26 yo father of a three-year-old was not the subject of that warrant.  That killing came after agents shot and killed a Mexican immigrant in Houston, sparking protests and renewing criticism of the agency’s tactics during enforcement operations.

Searsmont Firefighters Battle Stubborn Wildfire

(Searsmont)  Firefighters and crews from Searsmont and nearby towns this week were forced to battle a stubborn wildfire.  According to the Pen Bay Pilot, first responders were initially called to the blaze on New England Road Saturday evening, and returned at least two other times after mopping up, as the flames connected to plant roots ran underground, then surfaced, setting trees ablaze on Sunday afternoon.  Firefighters returned again on Monday for a fourth assessment and to make sure all hot spots were extinguished.  

Eastbrook Wildfire

(Eastbrook)  Crews from Franklin, Eastbrook, Hancock, Gouldsboro, and Schoodic battled a wildfire Monday evening.  The blaze was located deep in the woods off Eastbrook Road in Franklin.  Initial reports indicate the blaze broke out in a peat bog in the area of Georges Pond.  Firefighters were called to the scene around 6 p.m. and worked for several hours to bring the fire under control.  Hancock Fire Chief Chris Holmes reported no structures were threatened, and mopping operations were underway by shortly after 10 p.m.  No word yet on the cause of that fire.

Local Politics

Washington County Manager Files Lawsuit

(Machias)  County Commissioners won’t be replacing Washington County Manager Renee Gray anytime soon.  On Monday, Gray and her attorney, Jeffrey Davidson, filed a lawsuit against the County and Commissioners David Burns and Billy Howard, alleging she was illegally terminated on July 2nd.  A judge quickly signed a Temporary Restraining Order, preventing her replacement.  The suit details multiple alleged grievances, including that Burns and Howard fired Gray without cause, and includes reports of alleged illegal meetings and sexual harassment.  At an April 2025 retirement event, Howard reportedly told Gray “not to put away her waitressing skills”.  County Commissioner Courtney Hammond, who has remained a staunch supporter of Gray and who voted against her termination, told reporters, “Gray has more integrity than anyone I know.”   Comments on social media from former co-workers, legislators, fellow first responders, and members of numerous boards and commissions on which Gray serves or has served bear out that sentiment.  Following a regular Commissioners’ meeting on July 9th, Burns claimed there were two sides to the story and angrily ordered Gray not to serve out her remaining contractual days, but to clean out and immediately vacate her office, an order seconded by Commissioner Howard, but which Commissioner Hammond voted against.  A hearing is scheduled for July 30th.

Platner Campaign Funds

(Sullivan)  The Graham Platner campaign had about $2.2M on hand, according to the latest report from the Federal Election Commission.  What happens to those funds now that he’s out of the race?  NewsCenter Maine reports he can use the money for a future run, to pay off any campaign-related debt, pay his campaign staff, or donate to charity.  The money can’t be used for personal expenses. Whether or not donors can get their money back is unclear.  By law, he can’t donate more than $2K to any particular person, including a candidate who replaces him.  However, he can donate as much as he wants to the parties or various Super PACs.  It’s unclear how much of the $2.2M remains on hand.   The next FEC update is scheduled for today.

Economy

Couple Puts Heart and Soul into Hearth and Soul Pizza

(Deer Isle)  Janet Marciniec and her husband Phil LoBianco are putting their heart and soul into Hearth and Soul – a mobile wood-fired pizza business that transports and serves homemade pizzas across Deer Isle, the Blue Hill Peninsula, and surrounding areas.  They say customers love watching the multistep process of pizza making up close as they wait for their delicious dinner.  The Ellsworth American reports Marciniec left the world of insurance with Fortune 500 companies to pursue her dream, which includes providing food for those in need and giving back to community institutions. The two have partnered with Healthy Island Project’s food pantry and are working with local libraries, churches, and other organizations.  They also plan to donate a portion of sales to the local communities they serve.

Education

Ellsworth Public Library Debuts New Library Bike

(Ellsworth)  Can’t make it to the Ellsworth Public Library?  Continuing in their tradition of serving the community, the library will now bring library services directly to you!  On Wednesday, July 22nd, library staff will host a free pop-up event, featuring their brand new Library Bike at Knowlton Park.  From 9 to 10 a.m., visitors will be able to sign up for a library card, learn about library programs and resources, discover upcoming events at the library and beyond …. and kids can build their own kites!  The pop-up also highlights the Summer Reading Program for all ages.  No registration needed for the pop-up, but you do need to register for the SRP.  Every time adult or teen patrons return items to the library, they’ll be entered into a drawing for one of three prizes … two VIP tickets to Fogtown Brewing’s Fogtoberfest if you’re 21 or over, a dinner and show combo, or a LEGO Botanicals Mini Bonsai Tree Set.  See you at Knowlton Park a week from today!

MMA Training Ship Docks in Castine

(Castine)  Maine Maritime Academy’s 525-foot training ship, The State of Maine, docked in Castine on Sunday.  The Ellsworth American reports the $330M new training vessel is the largest investment in U.S. merchant marine in the school’s history.  Capable of training 600 students at a time, its updated technology and modern accessories make it a futuristic classroom, unlike other training ships that are often outdated naval hand-me-downs, sometimes from the Vietnam era.

Environment

Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens Now Property of BHHT

(Blue Hill)  It was a bit like a case of David vs. Goliath, but a group known as Save the Salt Pond Blueberry Barrens has done just that.  After a Kennebunk area developer bought the 38-acre property with its sweeping views and spaces open to walkers, elver fishermen, and others, the group worked to buy it back and preserve its pristine wilderness.  Last July, Blue Hill Community Development purchased the property for just under $2M and held it in trust until SSPBB could raise the funds to repay the loan.  The Ellsworth American reports the property was transferred to Blue Hill Heritage Trust last month and is now the largest public access point to the Salt Pond, a 4-mile long tidal saltwater inlet that borders Blue Hill, Sedgwick, and Brooklin.

Human Interest

Blue Hill Fair Fundraiser

(Blue Hill)  We have to wait until Labor Day for everyone’s favorite, the Blue Hill Fair.  But to tide us over, Friends of the Blue Hill Fairground are hosting a summer fundraiser at the fairgrounds, July 17-19, from 2 to 7 Friday, 8 to 2 on Saturday, and 8 to 1 on Sunday.  For more than 150 years, the Blue Hill Fair has been a place where neighbors gather to celebrate traditions of agriculture, craftsmanship, local talent, and community.  The summer fundraiser will include prizes from local businesses, the Billings Booth serving up lobster and crab rolls, a pie raffle and more!  Keep up with the Blue Hill Fair on FB.

Golf Tournament to Benefit Friendship Cottage

(Blue Hill)  Where have all the golfers gone … that’s not exactly how the song goes, but you get the idea this story is about the legendary Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary fame.  Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties tells Downeast Digest the Peter Yarrow Memorial Golf Tournament will take place at the Blue Hill Country Club on Thursday, July 30th, with proceeds benefitting Friendship Cottage, an essential adult day service program serving the communities of the Blue Hill Peninsula.  Organized by community members and bandmate Noel Paul Stookey, proceeds from the tournament will help strengthen the facility, expand programming, and ensure its long-term sustainability.  To learn more or to register, visit acap.org.  

National News 07/15/26

Trump Resumes Blockade of Iranian Ports

(AP)  The U.S. military was to resume its blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz as of 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon, bending to the will of President Donald Trump, who vowed to reinstate the blockade.  The Associated Press reports the President did, however, reverse his plan to charge a 20% toll on cargo traveling through the strait.  Instead,  Middle Eastern countries will make investment and trade deals with the U.S., according to a post made by Trump on social media.  Meanwhile, the U.S. launched more strikes on Iran yesterday, building on days of mutual attacks over control of the critical shipping lanes.

E. Jean Carroll Settlement

(NBC News)  Three years after a jury found Donald Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation, the President has paid journalist E. Jean Carroll $5M of her judgment against him. 

NBC News reports the money had been held in a court escrow account and was “disbursed” to Carroll’s attorneys.  The case arose from a 2022 suit Carroll filed in New York, alleging Trump sexually assaulted her in the dressing room of a Manhattan department store after a chance encounter in 1996, then defamed her after she came forward with her claims in 2019.  Trump maintains he does not know Carroll and committed no wrong.

Hegseth Blocks More Navy Promotions

(NYT)  The Trump Administration continues to block opportunities for women.  For the first time in more than a decade, the New York Times reports no active-duty female Navy officers are likely to be promoted to admiral this year.  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently blocked the promotions of seven senior Navy offices, five of whom are women or persons of color, to two-star admiral rank, according to officials.  Hegseth did not provide a rationale for cutting the seven from an original list of 22; but in recent years, he has claimed the military has focused too much on promoting people of color and women, at the expense of white men.

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