Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Skowhegan Woman Wins Major Lawsuit Against Northern Light

(Bangor)  A Skowhegan woman and her husband have won a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Northern Light Health.  The suit stems from a March 2023 procedure in which Emily Mitchell underwent laparoscopic surgery at Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville to remove a benign ovarian cyst.  Instead, the suit alleged the surgeon mistakenly removed nearly all her healthy bladder.  Mitchell said she awoke from the surgery in “excruciating pain” and unable to urinate.  She was rushed to EMMC in Bangor, where the error was discovered.  Following months of relying on tubes to drain her kidneys, Mitchell reportedly underwent a highly complex reconstructive surgery to build a replacement bladder.  A Kennebec County Superior Court jury awarded the couple $17M for past and future medical bills, permanent impairment, and intense pain and suffering.

Section of Route 3 in Trenton Designated in Honor of Deputy Luke Gross

(Trenton)  Dignitaries, members of multiple law enforcement departments and other first responders, family, and friends gathered on Route 3 in Trenton on Friday for the unveiling of a sign designating the Luke Gross Memorial Highway.  Hancock County Sheriff Deputy Luke Gross tragically died in the line of duty on September 23rd, 2021, while responding to a traffic accident along the stretch of highway that now honors his memory.  Look for the signs across from Nervous Nellie’s Jams and Jellies and near Thompson Island.

Deer Isle Volunteer Fire Department to Host Open House

(Deer Isle)  The Deer Isle Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting an open house on August 9th from 2 to 4.  They say the purpose of the gathering is to make the public aware of the condition in which they currently operate and to share the design of the proposed new fire station.  Join them at Station 2, that’s the old elementary school, and check out a drawing and photos of the proposed new station at www.deerislefire.org.

Local Politics

Jackson Wins Chance to Unseat Collins

(Bangor)  As you may have heard by now, former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson is the Democrats’ choice for an attempt to unseat long-time U.S. Republican Senator Susan Collins.  The one-time logger from the Allagash area won 566 of 571 delegates at Saturday’s special Democratic convention at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.  The special convention was called after candidate Graham Platner, who was chosen by the people in the June primary, dropped out amid ongoing allegations of sexual and other improprieties.

Scarborough Asks for Investigation of ICE Facility

(Scarborough)  Scarborough town councilors are expected to vote Wednesday on a proclamation requesting an investigation into the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, facility located on Manson Libby Road. WMTW reports the proclamation urges the Department of Homeland Security to consider relocating or closing the facility, and they may also ask for support from Maine’s congressional delegation.  The proposal comes after an ICE agent, with an alleged history of domestic violence, shot and killed 25 yo Johan Sebastian Guerrero in Biddeford earlier this month.  Guerrero was in the U.S. legally, had a social security card, and was not the target of an ICE warrant being carried out at the time he was killed.

Penobscot County Loans Itself Millions in ARPA Funds During Budget Crisis

(Bangor)  Penobscot County used millions of its American Rescue Plan, or ARPA, funds, as an internal loan for day-to-day operations during a severe budget crisis.  The Bangor Daily News reports County officials tapped the federal pandemic relief money in order to cover shortfalls while waiting for local municipalities to pay their property taxes.  The County reportedly redirected unspent ARPA money to bridge cash-flow gaps caused by depleted reserve funds and rising operational costs, particularly for the Penobscot County Jail.  Officials had to ensure the ARPA account was fully replenished before the end of 2024, when all projects had to be formally designated.  Penobscot County now has until the end of this year to repay the $4M in federal funds it loaned itself.

Washington County Gets Glowing Review on Use of ARPA Funds 

(Machias)  Washington County, in contrast, received a glowing review from the U.S. Treasury Department last month regarding its use of ARPA funds, with reviewers confirming zero misuse of such funds.  The Maine Monitor reported that according to County Manager Renee Gray, the federal review concluded with no formal findings or requirements to return funds, providing a major positive note amidst that county’s past local budget scrutiny.  In addition, the county does not have to pay back or return any portion of its more than $6M allocation.  The major accomplishment under Gray’s leadership reportedly received no recognition by Commissioners David Burns and Billy Howard, and adds to the scrutiny of their decision to terminate Gray without cause on July 2nd.  Gray has sued, hoping to bring further transparency to issues regarding alleged wrongdoing by the two commissioners. Commissioner Courtney Hammond is not part of the suit and has been a staunch supporter of Gray’s integrity.  A hearing is set for Thursday at the Washington County Courthouse.

Economy

Bangor Mall Sale Likely Won’t Close Until September

(Bangor)  The Bangor Mall sale isn’t likely to close until September.  According to the Bangor Daily News, a representative for Bangor Marketplace and Residences, LLC, the group working to purchase the property says the sale is now through the inspection stage.  Closing is the next step in what will be an arduous process of revitalization of the mall that has reportedly bled retailers and embroiled the city in a lawsuit over alleged code violations by current owner, Namdar Realty.  Despite reports of sewer and roof leaks and other major issues, the building is said to be in great shape.  The buyers hope the sale might not only revive business at the mall, but bring much-needed housing to Bangor, with more than 200 condominiums proposed, along with its retail shops.  

Main Street Maine Highlights Ellsworth

(Ellsworth)  Main Street Maine recently highlighted Downtown Ellsworth on their social media platforms.  MSM proposes the best part of your Downeast adventure might happen before you reach Acadia!  They suggest visitors park their car in the historic Ellsworth downtown and find “great local cafes, delicious local & international flavors, independent bookstores and shops, art galleries, large antique shops, breweries, live performances, and welcoming streets designed for wandering…”  They say it’s the perfect reminder that some of Maine’s most memorable experiences happen between its famous destinations.

Environment

Blue Hill Hospital Water Shows Slightly Elevated Levels of PFAS

(Blue Hill)  Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital is currently supplying bottled water to patients and staff, after recent tests showed PFAS levels as slightly above Maine State Drinking Water recommendations. Sources say a tanker truck has been brought in to pipe clean water directly into the facility, and the hospital is working with a water remediation specialist to design and install a filtration system.

Machias to Host Moose Lottery for First Time

(Machias)  The town of Machias will host the 2027 moose lottery – the first time any town in the Downeast area has been asked to host the event.  To ensure its success, local organizers are calling on community members to get involved.  An initial planning meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night – that’s July 28th – at 6 p.m. at Whitney’s Originals.  Anyone interested in contributing their time, ideas, or talents to help coordinate the occasion can attend the meeting or reach out to the Machias Bay Chamber of Commerce.

Human Interest

The Messenger Animal Rescue Enjoys Another Successful Fundraiser

(Harrington)  A huge thanks to everyone who came out Saturday to The Messenger Animal Rescue’s fundraiser at Harrington Elementary.  We were blown away at the crowds, the number of merchants and others who donated, the hundreds of baked goods, and Sarah Strout’s passion for animals in need.  She tells Downeast Digest that while the final figures aren’t in yet, they surpassed their fundraising goal of $10K.  You can still drop off recyclables at various bins throughout Hancock and Washington Counties, and be sure to follow them on FB to learn about animals for adoption and ongoing opportunities to give.

Community Closet 207 Bottle Drive

(Ellsworth)  Community Closet 207 in Ellsworth is hosting a bottle drive fundraiser.  This wonderful resource receives no federal funding, but they have a heart for our area’s homeless population and others in need – providing baby through adult clothing, backpacks for kids, diapers, personal care items, socks and underwear – mostly free to those who need the most, but who have the least.  Now through August 12th, drop off your returnables at 330 Water Street, and they’ll be turned into rent money to help keep CC 207’s doors open for everyone.  For hours of operation, or to learn how you can help or otherwise donate, follow Community Closet 207 on FB.  

Metal Roosters Support Ogunquit Autistic Girl

(AP) Colorful metal roosters are popping up on lawns from coastal Maine to New Zealand. Participants are “crowing” about the support for a 6 year old autistic girl after the town of Ogunquit, Maine ruled the rooster sculptures outside her family’s home were impermissible advertising for their restaurant, The Omelette Factory.  Dad David LeBlanc told the Associated Press, Pyper came to them as a foster child with a dirty, stuffed rooster they eventually tossed.  But they learned of Pyper’s fascination with the feathery fowl the first day they were in a store buying her clothes, and they simply went with her love out of theirs.  After putting a rooster crest on their shirts, the town declared the sculptures in their yard were unpermitted advertising and signage.  The town board eventually granted a disability variance deemed essential for Pyper’s access to the home.  Foster Mom Sara says it’s become a movement that resonates with the theme of inclusivity, a theme and a heartwarming story you can follow on their FB page, The Roosters of Ogunquit.  

Ninety-One Year Old Reclaims Record as Oldest Person to Hike Appalachian Trail

(AT)  In 2017 at the age of 82, Dale “Grey Beard” Sanders became the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.  Now, at age 91, he’s on a quest to reclaim that record, surpassed by an 83 year old friend in 2021.  In order for it to count, Sanders must complete the 2,190 mile hike in 12 months.  He began his latest venture at Springer Mountain in Georgia in September 2025.  As of Saturday, he was deep into Maine, headed for that final Katahdin summit.  The AT isn’t Sanders’s only claim to fame.  At age 80, he paddled the length of the Mississippi River, and he holds the age record for the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim.  Dale says from age 80 on have been his best years; and while he’s not against the gym, he believes you have to get outside.  With Katahdin in sight,  he says that’s what he plans to keep on doing.   

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