Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Police Chase Involves Stolen Vehicle

(Bangor)  Tense moments Saturday when a Maine Game Warden responding to a search and rescue on I-95 in Bangor encountered a Chevy pickup driving erratically in the passing lane.  The incident happened shortly before 9:30 p.m., with authorities later learning the truck had been stolen from Skowhegan.  The driver of the pickup reportedly brake-checked the Warden, who had activated lights and siren, and ignored efforts to stop him. State Police were called in, but the driver of the truck reportedly attempted to flee, reaching speeds up to 80 mph and eventually crossing over near Hogan Road and driving southbound in the northbound lane.  Recognizing the danger, a State Police Sergeant rammed the truck forcing it into a ditch.  The driver, 60 yo Lawrence Knowles of Norridgewock, was taken into custody after a brief standoff. He faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including OUI Drugs, Eluding an Officer, and Reckless Conduct with a Dangerous Weapon. After being treated for minor injuries, the suspect was taken to the Penobscot County Jail.

Single Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Howland Man

(Howland)  A single vehicle crash Saturday claimed the life of a 61 yo man from the Penobscot County town of Howland.  Officers tell Downeast Digest preliminary findings indicate the driver, Bruce Ireland, was northbound on wet roads on I-95 at a high rate of speed and was not wearing a seatbelt when he lost control of his 2012 Honda Accord.  The car veered off the road and went into the wooded median; Ireland was pronounced dead at the scene. Traffic was reduced to one lane for about three hours while first responders worked the incident.

Structure Fire at Camp Ruled Accidental

(Montville)  A fire at a small camp in the Waldo County town of Montville over the weekend has been ruled accidental.  According to the Montville Fire Department, the fire originated on the first floor of the camp.  Prior to the fire, electrical services had recently been restored, and the cause of that fire was identified as failure of a backup power bank being used for office equipment.  No one was at home at the time of the blaze.  

Young Sailor Shows Level-Headedness in Sudden Squall

(Rockland Harbor)  The fast-moving squall that bore down on Rockland Harbor last Thursday dismasted three sailboats … and a cruise ship, the American Independence, broke loose from its ties and slammed into another craft, throwing several people into the water.  Among the heroes being hailed for her quick thinking that day was middle schooler Naomi Leach of South Thomaston.  The Pen Bay Pilot reports Naomi was part of a sailing class of six and two instructors aboard the TooToo sailing slip when the squall bore down, knocking the boat on its side, and tossing three of those on board into the ocean.  The boat righted itself; and taking control of the VHF radio, Naomi radioed for help.  Boats came to the rescue and pulled everyone safely from the water.  A day later, Naomi and her classmates were back on the water.  The girls say previous training for such scenarios was paramount in their survival, and they were happy to be back on the seas.

Reports of Suspicious Vehicle in Franklin Leads to Drug Arrest

(Franklin)  A Hancock woman was arrested Saturday after deputies were called to Porcupine Road in Franklin for a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the blueberry fields.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office tells Downeast Digest officers approached the vehicle and found 36 yo Jayleen Spencer inside.  While speaking with the woman, they say officers observed illegal drugs inside the vehicle.  Spencer was summoned for Possession of Schedule W drugs.

Dennysville Church Fire

(Dennysville)  The Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to investigate after a fire broke out Monday morning at a church in the Washington County town of Dennysville.  Officials say the blaze originated shortly before 8 a.m. at the rear of the Dennysville Edmunds Congregational Church on King Street.  Members of the local fire department were quick to respond and extinguish the fire, limiting damage primarily to the building’s exterior.  No one was at the church at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

Local Politics

Candidates for U.S. Senate Suspend Campaigns

(Maine)  First it was Shenna Bellows, then Dr. Nirav Shah, and now Jordan Wood and Dan Kleban have all suspended their campaigns for U.S. Senate, citing the importance of defeating Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.  Bellows announced her decision to withdraw Sunday morning, reportedly to focus on her role as Maine’s Secretary of State and the need to push back against the policies of President Donald Trump.  Shah announced his decision Sunday evening, then endorsed former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson.  Finally, Jordan Wood and Dan Kleban stepped aside, with both throwing their support behind Jackson, as well.  Maine Dems were forced to replace Sullivan oyster farmer Graham Platner, who was the people’s choice in the June primary, after allegations of sexual assault were levied by a former girlfriend.  Delegates elected at last Saturday’s convention will gather at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor this Saturday to vote for Platner’s replacement.  

King Leads Colleagues in Demanding Accountability for ICE

(Washington, DC)  Senator Angus King of Maine is leading 38 Senate colleagues in demanding greater accountability from the Department of Homeland Security regarding agents representing Immigrant and Customs Enforcement.  WMTW reports the senators sent a letter Monday to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin calling for the expanded use of body cameras, more transparent identification of ICE officers, and independent investigations into the recent shootings in Houston, Texas and Biddeford, Maine.  The senators emphasized that the victims in both incidents were killed by officers acting as agents of the federal government while inside their vehicles and that neither was the intended target of the immigration operation underway at the time of the shootings.  

Economy

Fairway Auto Sales Helps Support Next Step Domestic Violence

(Hancock)  Mark your calendars – this one is going to be fun … and for a great cause!   On August 1st, Fairway Auto Sales in Hancock is staging a free event – The Price is Nice – to help support Next Step Domestic Violence Project.  Rumor has it owner Tony Murray himself will be performing as Drew Carey!  It’s a chance to have some fun and win awesome prizes, with a giant wheel spin, raffle tickets (just a dollar!), and front row contestant spots.  Let the games begin … under the Ellsworth YMCA canopy from 3 to 5 p.m.  Like and share their post and follow them on FB for your chance to win a $50 gas gift card – winner drawn tomorrow at 4 p.m., so don’t put it off!  The Price is Nice – sponsored by Tony’s Fairway Auto Sales in Hancock.  Saturday, August 1st from 3 to 5 under the Ellsworth YMCA canopy!

Environment

Maine Ramps Up Efforts to Cut Down on Packaging Waste

(Maine)  It’s been in the planning stages for years – now the state of Maine is looking for a contractor to run a program whose goal is to cut down on packaging waste.  The Maine Monitor reports the program’s  success hinges on the number of municipalities that opt to participate.  In 2021, Maine was the first state to approve a program to require large companies to help pay for the cost of recycling their packaging – plastic, cardboard, metal, glass, or paper.  Once operating, towns and cities that opt in will report to the state how many tons of packaging they recycle each year.  They would then be eligible for reimbursement, funded by fees levied against companies that send disposable packaging to customers.  Tremont and Trenton are among local municipalities who have said they plan to participate; but 77% of those surveyed have yet to decide.  If the program doesn’t meet its goal of having 60% of municipalities participating by 2030, those uninvolved will be contacted to determine their reasons for opting out.

Infrastructure

Town of Surry Awarded Grant to Reopen Osgood Trail

(Surry)  The long-closed Osgood Trail outside the Surry Town Office will be opened once again, thanks to a 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant.  The Weekly Packet reports Neighbors Helping Neighbors secured the grant that will rehabilitate the path and add a new accessible walking loop.  With most of the work expected to be completed by mid December, the $7,500 in funding will help restore the trail, including its 0.6 mile loop.  A new accessible portion of the path will start near the Osgood Field parking lot, with volunteers setting up a gravel resting area and seats along the loop.  Volunteers also plan to rebuild an adjoining outdoor classroom, although that is not covered by the funding.  Community workdays are held every Saturday from 8 until noon for anyone who wishes to help, and individuals and businesses are invited to sponsor benches and picnic tables that will be placed along the revamped trail.

Human Interest

Acadia Gateway Center Recognized for Innovative Design and Delivery

(Trenton)  The new Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton has been recognized for its innovative design and delivery.   MaineBiz reports The Maine Department of Transportation earned regional honors from the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials for improving access to Acadia National Park, easing traffic congestion, and supporting long-term environmental sustainability.  The $27.7M project, which opened last fall, incorporates such features as rooftop solar panels, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and advanced energy management technology.  The project was one of thirty submitted from eight states and the District of Columbia and will now advance to the national competition.  That will be narrowed to 12 in September before finalists vie for two national honors in the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards.

Interactive Photo Exhibit at Ellsworth Public Library

(Ellsworth)  An interactive photo exhibit at the Ellsworth Public Library is designed to spark conversations, memories, and new connections to Ellsworth and its past.  “Reflections of Ellsworth” is an historic photo exhibit that explores the people, places, and events that have shaped one of the state’s fastest growing cities. The free exhibit will be introduced by Holly Hendricks, Recording Secretary and Chair of the Archives and Collections Committee, at the Ellsworth Historical Society, this Thursday evening at 6 p.m. and will remain on display at the library through the month of October.

National News 07/21/26

New Air Force One to Be “Maxed Out” with Security

(Washington, DC)  A Boeing luxury jet donated by Qatar to serve as Air Force One could get additional defensive capabilities.  President Trump said the jet would be “maxed out” in order to match the standards of the older jet used for Presidential travel.  Trump flew to Turkey on the new jet earlier this month for the NATO Summit, but announced he was taking one of the older jets, which he has criticized as dated, when he flew home from the gathering.  According to the New York Times, the new jet lacks the same defensive countermeasures present on the older jet.

Response to President’s Address Shows GOP Weary of Election Fraud Claims

(WaPo)  Response by conservatives to the President’s recent prime time address shows the GOP is growing weary of unsubstantiated claims of widespread election fraud.  The Washington Post reports outside of clips of frequently quoted White-House-aligned influencers praising his speech, some publicly question his focus on 2020 as the midterms approach; especially after six years of exhaustive investigations have failed to turn up any evidence of 2020 election fraud. Republican affairs strategist Matthew Bartlett described Thursday’s speech as a “mess” and said the lack of new evidence undercut Trump’s broader effort to pressure Republicans into passing the “Save America Act”, which Bartlett claims the President has oddly weaponized against his own party.

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