Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Eddington School Board Member Appears in Court

(Eddington)  A member of the Eddington School Board was in court Wednesday, facing charges in connection with her 9-month-old daughter’s drug overdose.  NewsCenter Maine reports 36 yo Brittany Wood was charged with domestic violence aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child, following an incident last May.  Penobscot District Attorney Chris Almy told members of the press the baby had been breastfed by Wood, whom evidence suggested had been using fentanyl, causing the fentanyl to be transferred into the baby’s system.  Bail was set at $50K, with a no-contact provision with her husband, daughter or father.

Local Politics

Mills Calls for Reforms of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

(Augusta)  Governor Janet Mills this week called on Maine’s congressional delegation to push for reforms of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, following this week’s deadly violence in Biddeford.  The Bangor Daily News reports in her Wednesday letter to the state’s senators and representatives, the Governor said that without fundamental reforms to the agency, it was time to abolish ICE.  Among changes the Democratic Governor suggested – banning ICE agents from masking their faces, requiring them to identify themselves, implementing better training, holding agents accountable for wrongdoing or abusing their power, and requiring court warrants.

Protestors Line High Street in Ellsworth After Deadly ICE Shooting

(Ellsworth)  Protests against the murder of a Colombian immigrant in Biddeford, who sources confirm was here legally, continue to draw crowds statewide, including here in Ellsworth.  On Wednesday, folks lined High Street in front of Shaw’s, waving an upside down flag and carrying signs that read, “I need to be able to tell my grandchildren I did not stay silent”,  “ICE murders in cold blood”, and bearing the names of at least nine persons killed illegally by agents acting on behalf of the United States government.  Sources say at least 125 people turned out for the protest and vigil.

Federal Agent Who Killed Innocent Man in Biddeford Was New Hire

(Biddeford)  The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot and killed a 26 year old Biddeford father who was in the United States legally on Monday just joined the agency this year.  According to a reporter with The Atlantic who spoke with a senior Trump administration official, the agent has worked in federal law enforcement since 2017, but just recently became a member of ICE.  The yet unnamed agent allegedly shot and killed Johan Sebastian Guerrero early Monday morning as part of an enforcement detail based on a warrant.  However, it turned out Guerrero was not the subject of that warrant but was in the U.S. legally, had a Social Security number and was authorized to work here.

Councilor’s Conduct Probe Cost City Close to $20K

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth’s probe into the conduct of City Councilor Steve O’Halloran cost the City about $19K … that figure disclosed during a Finance Committee meeting this week.  But those involved say it was necessary in order to protect staff from alleged harassment by O’Halloran, who admitted conducting a self-appointed investigation during which he visited an employee’s home and photographed their license plate, among other allegations cited in a 174-page report.  The Bangor Daily News reports O’Halloran has also repeatedly criticized city officials and accused them of lacking integrity.  Following a nearly unanimous vote (with O’Halloran abstaining) to censure O’Halloran, a group of citizens launched a petition drive to recall five of the city’s seven councilors.  They initially failed to gather enough signatures (each petition was about 400 short by the deadline), but were granted a ten-day extension, with a new deadline of July 16th, which was yesterday.  The deadline to report results is Tuesday, July 21st; but City officials say an initial review indicates none of the petitions appear to have the needed number of signatures to secure a recall election.

Economy

Homegrown Substitute for Heating Oil

(Maine)  Could Maine soon trade its reliance on heating oil for a homegrown substance made from forestry waste?  The Bangor Daily News reports two startup companies here in the state and the new biofuels they plan to produce in about two years will heat homes and businesses with less carbon output at about the same price as conventional oil.  They say biofuels also represent a new market for tree tops, bark, and other forest refuse once bought by paper mills that now lie unused on the ground.  While wood-based biofuels are in too early a stage to commit to the state’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, many think now is the time to try to advance the cause of biofuels.  Sources say the Pine Tree State is currently behind almost all other U.S. states, which use biofuels to some degree for heating – a surprise considering Maine’s abundant forest resources.

Vinyl Vogue Brings Vintage to Music Lovers

(Ellsworth)  What better way to celebrate a slow news day than by highlighting one of our favorite local businesses?   Vinyl Vogue has brought Vintage to music lovers in Downeast Maine for a couple of years now. Located in Downtown Ellsworth in the space that also houses Black Moon Public House, owner Matt Manry scours the music world for boutique vinyl, hi-fi, guitars and good vibes.  Plan to spend some time browsing carefully curated records and listening to quality sound while you peruse new finds Matt offers weekly.  For instance, a recent shipment brought in the latest Rolling Stones release, Foreign Tongues, along with a handful of copies of Hackney Diamonds – in case you missed out the first time. The store also supports local music education.  Visit their website for days and hours; and as Matt says, drop the needle and stay awhile. Life will be much more in tune if you do!  

Tony’s Fairway Auto Sales Drives Home the Power of Customer Service

(Hancock)  What to do on a bit of a slow news day?  We find it the perfect opportunity to highlight some of our favorite local businesses!  One being Tony’s Fairway Auto Sales on Route One in Hancock.  After 20 years working for others in the auto industry, Tony Murray, along with his wife Nicole, launched their pre-owned vehicle business shortly before COVID hit.  But their commitment to the principles of honesty, transparency, and family-oriented customer service has gained them new and repeat customers, glowing reviews, and a reputation for trustworthiness that even necessitated a recent expansion.  We can personally vouch for their detailing service, which will have your truck or car looking, smelling, and feeling like new.  And customers say the financing and purchasing experience is quick, easy, and downright enjoyable.  Find out why they say and customers agree, “Come buy your car the fair way.”  Tony’s Fairway Auto Sales, Route One in Hancock.  

Downeast Graphics and Printing 

(Hancock)  What better way to celebrate a slow news day than to highlight some of our favorite local businesses?  Downeast Graphics and Printing in Hancock was founded back in 1974 by Charlie Ferden, and was the first local printing company to offer in-house design. After serving customers for 50 years, Ferden retired and sold the business in January 2025 to Dom Efter and his wife, Arlyn Whitelaw, a local couple well-known for their philanthropy and support of non-profits like Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, the Grand Theatre, the SPCA of Hancock County, and many others.  They offer the usual business cards, brochures, and other printing needs and have expanded to offer wide-format banners, trade show displays, and canvas prints.  And you won’t find friendlier customer service than Dom and the staff.  Check them out on social media, or better yet, stop in – 477 Washington Junction Road in Hancock. 

Health

Woman Seeks Kidney Donor

(Jonesport)  Donna Mills’s family says she’s spent a lifetime giving love, caring for others, and being the rock for her family.  Now, the Jonesport resident has a pretty big need herself – she’s in kidney failure and is looking for a living kidney donor.  If you’ve ever considered becoming a donor or would like to learn more, this is an incredible opportunity to give a gift of life and hope.  We’ve posted a QR code on our FB page.  Even if you’re not a match, consider registering to become a donor at mmc.donorscreen.org.  

Human Interest

Alien Misfits Gather at Ellsworth Public Library

(Ellsworth)  A group of alien misfits gathered last night at the Nir Cantina – aka, the Ellsworth Public Library, for an evening of intrigue, mystery, and whodunit!  Costumed, made-up, and heavily tattooed patrons showed up to take part in the library’s latest creative programming, “Murder at the Nir Cantina”.  Murder Mystery events are a chance to step into a character, meet new people, and enjoy an evening of roleplaying, and they’re just one of the amazing opportunities offered by EPL.  From outdoor school and storytime for kids, tech support, author talks, puppetry; and, of course, books and DVDs, find it all at our wonderful public library.  ellsworthlibrary.net

Franklin Stages Road Races

(Franklin)  A heads up if you are traveling Route 200 in Sullivan and Franklin this Sunday.  Runners will be challenging the hills in the Annual Horseshoe Crab Run and Walk 5K.  The event starts at the Franklin Town Office at 8 a.m. sharp, starts gently downhill on Route 200, climbs Cards Crossing with its ocean views, finishes on the Sunrise Trail and features a hot breakfast afterwards.  Sign up or find more information on RaceMob.  Not to be outdone … and start training now … the Franklin Veterans Club’s 0.1K “Ultra-Marathon” is set for Saturday, August 15th.  The tongue-in-cheek 328 foot “race” features a hydration station and is followed by a Family Fun Day, touch-a-truck and BBQ.  Check the club’s FB page for more.

National News 07/17/26

Election Experts Expect Round of Falsehoods in Trump’s Speech

(AP)  Election experts say they expected another round of falsehoods in President Trump’s primetime speech last night.  Trump planned to use the speech to discuss what he called new findings about the security of American elections and voting machines, and claim new information related to foreign efforts to influence US elections, revisiting his long-debunked conspiracy theories about his 2020 defeat to Joe Biden, according to the Associated Press.  While Trump has appointed loyalists who echo his false claims, in the weeks after he lost, the people Trump appointed to run the Department of Justice, cybersecurity agencies, and intelligence departments all said the same thing – the 2020 election was fair, legitimate, and free of major fraud or foreign interference.  There have been more than six years of consistent findings from the intelligence community and from everyone who has looked into it that all indicate the systems were secure and accurate.

Trump’s Approval Rating Stays Low

(AP)  President Trump’s approval rating continues to stay within a narrow range, with just 37% of U.S. adults approving of how he’s handling the presidency in his second term; that’s according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Poll.  With the midterms approaching, the administration is scrambling to, some say, “fix” an election Republicans cannot otherwise win … through unfounded accusations of widespread election fraud, pushing of the SAVE Act to disenfranchise voters and voting systems, and attempts at gerrymandering, which rigs voting precincts in favor of a particular party.

Three Islands Control Strait of Hormuz

(AP)  The expanding U.S. military campaign against Iran has put three small islands in the Strait of Hormuz in the crosshairs once again.  The Associated Press reports the islands sit at the confluence of the Strait and the Persian Gulf.  Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb were seized in 1971 by Iran from what would become the United Arab Emirates and have become a garrison for Tehran, helping it exert significant control over the strait, a major waterway for the distribution of the world’s oil.  U.S. strikes on two of the islands in recent days have renewed speculation about the fate of the rocky isles, whose ownership remains in dispute.

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