Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Maine Firefighters Help Battle Canadian Blazes

(Maine)  While President Trump raises tariffs on goods from our northern neighbor, firefighters from Maine are DOING good by risking their lives to help put out the wildfires burning across Canada that have destroyed homes and wiped out entire settlements.  The cross-border assistance is coordinated through established international mutual-aid agreements and regional pacts and includes firefighters from New Hampshire and Connecticut.  According to the Maine Forest Service, Maine Forest Rangers and specialized wildland hand crews have been sent to bolster staffing in affected areas.  Trump this week blamed the fires on what he said was Canadian forest mismanagement, calling it willful negligence, and adding, “The United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air”  from smoke drifting across the US/Canada border.  

Ellsworth Fire Department to Get New Rescue Boat

(Ellsworth)  A series of recent water-related emergencies has driven home the Ellsworth Fire Department’s need to purchase a new municipal rescue boat.  According to the Ellsworth American, in some cases, the City has “lacked water rescue capability”.  At this week’s Ellsworth City Council meeting, Fire Chief Scott Gillerault told councilors the department’s former vessel has been out of service since last September, when it was determined to be no longer viable.  Council members voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the new craft for an anticipated total of just over $84K, which includes the boat, related equipment and a trailer.  The purchase will be funded through the city’s capital reserve and the fire department’s training site accounts, with delivery expected in four to six weeks.

Local Politics

Nomination Papers Ready

(Ellsworth)  Nomination papers for the November 3rd municipal election in Ellsworth are available beginning today.  If you’ve ever thought about serving your community in this way, open seats include Ellsworth City Council, School Board, and Library Board of Trustees. You can read about the positions, important deadlines, and how to get started at ellsworthmaine.gov.  Remember, City offices are open until 6 tonight and are closed on Fridays.

Former County Commissioner Speaks Out About Washington County Woes

(Machias)  Former Washington County Commissioner Chris Gardener broke his silence this week, speaking to the Machias Valley News Observer about the alleged illegal firing of Washington County Manager Renee Gray by Commissioners David Burns and Billy Howard.  Gray was terminated on July 2nd without any given cause, no personnel reviews, and with nothing negative in her personnel file.  At a July 9th Commissioners meeting in which Gray’s attorney, Jeffrey Davidson, read a three-page list of allegations Gray filed against the two commissioners (Commissioner Courtney Hammond has remained steadfastly in Gray’s corner), Burns angrily ordered Gray to clean out her office and not return, seconded by Howard.  Many on social media are questioning Gray’s termination and asking what the county is hiding. Speaking publicly for the first time, Gardner said there’s another side to last year’s budget crisis involving reserve transfers that he believes taxpayers have not heard. Among other questions, he said only a handful of people could have seen the “questionable” reserve transfers as they occurred – Treasurer Jill Holmes, who stepped down, Deputy Treasurer Sondra Small, who remains employed in the finance office, and the banks.  Gardner said the transfers were done in a form commissioners could not see.  A hearing on Gray’s termination is set for July 30th.

Tax Bills Available

(Ellsworth)  Residents of Ellsworth can now view their tax bills online.  If you’d like to view your bill, make a payment, check important dates, or look up your property assessment, the city has made it easy.  They say you can visit their tax page for everything you need, including a helpful 2027 Tax Guide that answers many of the most common questions.  You’ll find links on the City’s FB page and website.

Jackson Facing Pushback for Alleged Angry Outbursts

(Augusta)  He’s the presumptive Democratic nominee to run for the U.S. Senate against Republican Senator Susan Collins;  but although he’s not even official yet, former Senate President Troy Jackson is already facing pushback.  Sources this week report Jackson was guilty of angry outbursts when he served as  Maine Senate President.  CNN and the Washington Post both reported an incident that allegedly happened five years ago wherein Jackson allegedly threw a water bottle during a meeting inside the state capitol.  The Jackson campaign said he was not aiming at anyone and the bottle didn’t hit anyone. Jackson is all but guaranteed to win the party’s nomination this Saturday after his four top competitors dropped out of the race, throwing their support behind him.

Economy

Triple B Food Truck Serves Up Summer BBQ

(Ellsworth)  If summer has your mouth watering for some tender barbecue, the Ellsworth American says look no further than the bright orange food truck on the Bucksport Road.   The Triple B Food Trailer is serving up brisket, pork, chicken, ribs and more, with customers able to pick from sauces like hot honey garlic and sides like pasta salad and baked beans.  David Varney manages the truck and makes most of the food, along with his sister and owner Laura Connery.  They also serve quesadillas, build your own smash burgers, and frequent specials – even baked goods for dessert.  The truck, located at 1325 Bucksport Road, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 to 6.

New Restaurant Opens in Brooklin

(Brooklin)  Sounds like it might be worth a drive to Brooklin to try out that town’s newest eatery.  WABI reports The Astro, named after owner Matthew Carter’s first car, a 1994 Chevy Astro Van, serves Maine-made sausages, handcut fries, and tostadas and also features slow-churned, house-made ice cream crafted from Maine milk, cream, and eggs.  The restaurant, located at One Bay Road in the heart of Brooklin, is open Friday through Monday from Noon to 7 and is scheduled to remain open through mid October.

Support for Ellsworth Public Library Draws Crowd

(Ellsworth)  City officials, business and nonprofit leaders, volunteers, staff, and community members packed the Ellsworth Public Library this week for a Garden Party & Appreciation Event.  Director Sarah Lesko left more than one attendee teary-eyed as she shared stories of the difference staff has made in the lives of patrons – a young reluctant reader who now regularly leaves with stacks of reading material, a regular patron facing loss who just needed a shoulder and an ear – just two examples of ways the library is literally changing lives.  Architectural drawings of a much-needed and long overdue proposed renovation and expansion project were on display, and it was clear the proposed project is needed in order for the library to stay current, come up to code, and continue serving a growing community.  Comments from those in attendance verified residents are solidly behind Lesko, her staff, volunteers, and the importance of the proposed upgrades.

Viking Lumber Supports Women for Healthy Rural Living

(Milbridge)  So much good going on in our Downeast communities!  Women for Healthy Rural Living is thanking Viking Lumber today for their continued support, specifically of the Incredible Edible Milbridge program.  Viking’s collaboration with Coast of Maine recently meant providing enough compost to care for all their vegetable pocket gardens scattered throughout Milbridge.  Launched in 2013 by WHRL, the award-winning initiative known as Incredible Edible Milbridge offers free, pick-your-own vegetable gardens and education initiatives designed to create a community that is stronger, healthier and more food independent.  Follow them on FB and through Women for Healthy Rural Living if you’d like to get involved and help make a difference.  

Queen City Athletics in Ellsworth to Move

(Ellsworth)  Queen City Athletics in Ellsworth is all about keeping it moving – and the 24/7 workout venue is taking that to heart by moving their facility (currently located inside the Maine Coast Mall) to The Forge Training Center in Commerce Park in Ellsworth.  Queen City says they don’t have an exact date in mind but are hoping for a late August or early September move, and expect to take less than a week to complete the transition.  The new space will reportedly feature two floors of new equipment and upgrades. They say they’ll also be more equipped to offer classes and group training for members, as well as programs and clinics for youth athletes in the area.  And as always, they’ll still be 24/7 at the new location.

Environment

Wildlife Crossings Saving Lives

(Brewer)  The Maine Department of Transportation says their wildlife crossings on I-395 are saving lives.  MDOT told WABI they’ve recorded more than 500 crossings over the past year.  White-tailed deer, porcupines, gray squirrels, raccoons, snowshoe hares – even bobcats have been caught on camera using the tunnels, which run under the highways, providing safe passage for the critters and likely preventing unwanted accidents for motorists.

Health

Lincoln County Resident Tests Positive for Powassan Virus

(Lincoln County)  The Maine CDC says an adult in Lincoln County tested positive last week for Powassan virus, a tick borne illness that can affect the brain.  It’s the third confirmed case in Maine this year, with earlier cases reported in York and Penobscot Counties.  Sources say the virus can spread in as little as 15 minutes after a bite from an infected deer or woodchuck tick.  Nationally, cases of Powassan are rare; but experts caution folks to wear long sleeves and pants tucked into boots, use approved repellants, and always check yourself and your pets, even after just a walk to the mailbox.

Infrastructure

City Street Light Project Moves Forward in Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Crews working on the Ellsworth streetlight project are shining a light on safety and savings for the City.  Officials say 222 of the municipality’s 507 streetlights have already been replaced as of this week, and work continues every day.  Crews are reportedly working their way up the Bucksport Road side of Bridge Hill, with most standard streetlights expected to be installed by the end of the month … and a handful of floodlights completed later as parts arrive.  The streetlights were previously leased from Versant Power and are being converted to brighter, more energy-efficient LED fixtures.  The changeover is expected to save the city approximately 80% in annual electricity and maintenance costs.

Human Interest

Concerts at the Parklet

(Ellsworth)  Tonight’s the night – join your friends and neighbors as the City of Ellsworth’s Downtown Summer Concert Series kicks off at 7 p.m. at the Franklin Street Parklet.  Black Moon Public House has coordinated a lineup of top notch concerts every Thursday, between now and October 1st, tonight featuring The Mallett Brothers Band.  The concerts are free and offer an opportunity for folks to dine, shop, and celebrate all the great things happening in Ellsworth.  The events are thanks to a collaboration between the City of Ellsworth, Heart of Ellsworth, and Black Moon Public House.

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