Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Homeowner Safe After Early Morning Fire in Trenton

(Trenton)  Crews from the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department were called to a home on Baxters Ledge Road in Trenton shortly before 5 Monday morning.  They say when they arrived, the home was heavily involved, with flames coming through the roof.  Firefighters initiated an aggressive attack, along with help from Ellsworth, Lamoine, and Hancock, and were able to contain and extinguish the blaze.  Multiple other departments also responded, including the Bar Harbor Fire Department’s Rapid Intervention Crew, Mount Desert, Sorrento, Franklin, and Sullivan.  The homeowner and a dog were able to escape before firefighters arrived, but the resident was taken to the hospital via Northern Light Ambulance.  Although they say the fire was out by 9:30, crews remained on the scene to ensure there were no further hot spots or rekindles.  It’s believed the fire began on the home’s exterior.  The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.

SwissAir Flight Diverted to Bangor International Monday

(Bangor)  The runway at Bangor International Airport was closed for a short time Monday after a SwissAir plane made an emergency landing there shortly after Noon.  Sources say smoke was reported in business class.  The Bangor Fire Department had multiple fire trucks staged in the area, along with ambulances.  All 208 persons aboard disembarked safely, and firefighters inspected the plane, but found no evidence of fire.  SwissAir was working with BIA to reroute passengers.  They refused to speculate on the cause of the smoke, according to WABI.  Officials say the plane was flying from Zurich, Switzerland on its way to JFK in New York.

Local Politics

Town Manager Turnover High in Many Maine Municipalities

(BDN)  In Old Orchard Beach, the Town Manager recently resigned after just two weeks on the job.  In Lincoln, an interim Town Manager lasted two months and was the fourth person to leave the position since November.  Towns like Raymond, Skowhegan, Limestone and others are seeing a similar trend.  The Bangor Daily News took a deeper look and cites two primary reasons driving the turnover.  First, says UMaine Poli-Sci professor Mark Brewer, the number of trained town managers in Maine has declined significantly in recent years.  And second, local politics have become more contentious, a growing problem in general.  Those, along with increasingly demanding job responsibilities and public expectations leave cities and towns continuing to not only search for leaders, but for ways to retain them.

More Mainers Seek Canadian Citizenship

(Maine)  Nearly a third of Maine residents can trace their heritage through Canada.  The Portland Press Herald reports that includes nearly 90% of those living in the St. John Valley.  A Canadian law passed last December makes it easier for people to obtain Canadian citizenship, and many are looking into the option.  Previously, U.S. residents had to prove a parent was born in Canada; now, with documentation, those interested can go back as far into their family tree as they like.  In the months since our northern neighbor loosened requirements, interest has exploded, with nearly 100K people currently waiting for a decision.  Some of those surveyed say they are doing it for sentimental reasons, but others say they hope to leave a country they feel is becoming increasingly politically dangerous.  The average wait time after applying is about 19 months.

Economy

Chloe’s Cafe Moves to Bucksport Road

(Ellsworth)  Thursday is the last day to dine at Chloe’s Cafe, at least on Water Street.  The Ellsworth cafe is well-known for its breakfast classics like fluffy pancakes, farm-fresh eggs, and omelets, as well as lunch time salads, sandwiches and wraps.  The cafe is named for owner Gabrielle Conners’ beloved cat, and they do much to support the SPCA of Hancock County and other nonprofits.  Conners opened at the Water Street location in December 2024 but will be moving to a larger space on the Bucksport Road, across from CrossFit Acadia.  They ask that you bear with them this week as they work to use up remaining inventory before the move, where they promise to be stocked with all your favorites. 

Plans for Stonington Oyster Business Facing Pushback

(Stonington) Plans for a small retail oyster business in Stonington are producing anything but pearls.  According to the Bangor Daily News, Abby Barrows continues to face challenges from a number of neighbors who say they’re concerned about increased traffic, pedestrian safety, noise, and excessive lighting.  Barrows had hoped to sell oysters, related merchandise, and beverages this summer from a vacant lot at 11 North Main Street.  Special events are planned for the site, as well, but face the same concerns.  Barrows’ application first appeared on the planning docket in April, with some acknowledging it’s just the type of business the town’s comprehensive plan encourages.  But at this point, it simply remains under consideration, with the planning board assuring all parties their comments will be given their due and the application will be taken up again at its August meeting. 

Environment

Branch Lake Provides Public Space and Responsibility

(Ellsworth)  Branch Lake Public Forest stretches across more than 800 acres, with over three miles of recreational trails, a forest that protects Ellsworth’s primary drinking supply, and provides opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.  Such spaces, says the City of Ellsworth, are everyone’s responsibility, especially those who use them. The City asks folks to please leave no trace.  Pack out everything you bring in.  Keep dogs on a leash to help protect people, wildlife, and other pets.  Be mindful that neither fires nor camping are permitted.  Bicycles and motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on the trails.  And the forest is open from sunrise to sunset.  For a full list of visitor policies, visit ellsworthmaine.gov.  

Infrastructure

Main Street Bridge Improvement

(Ellsworth)  Maine DOT is looking for public input on a proposed Main Street Bridge improvement project in Ellsworth.  An online, on-demand public meeting is available during the comment period, which runs through August 12th.  This is an opportunity for residents to review the proposed project and submit questions or comments directly to the Maine Department of Transportation.  While this is a MaineDOT project, the City of Ellsworth has provided a PDF on its website for information on how to participate and provide input.  That’s ellsworthmaine.gov.

Bucksport Road Improvements

(Bucksport)  Motorists traveling through Bucksport will find it a bit smoother going this year, as sections of three roads will be paved, following approval by the Town Council.  The River Observer says paving will include portions of Jacob Buck Pond Road, School Street, and Park Street at a cost of just over $146K.  School and Park Streets reportedly have the heaviest traffic and draw the most complaints.  In addition, the Maine Department of Transportation plans to pave the Main Street travel lanes in the coming months.  Be mindful of those orange cones and flaggers.

Isle au Haut Has New Undersea Power Cable

(Isle au Haut)  Communication is clearly receiving an upgrade for the residents of Isle au Haut.  Island AdVantages reports the community’s first undersea power cable was in place for more than 40 years.  Now, following six years of planning and permitting, and after securing $600K in funding, the island has a new line to the mainland.  Laying the new cable was no easy task.  Workers last winter had to lay six separate sections, then pull up the ends and splice them together.  The final step includes replacing utility poles; but cable is expected to be connected to the island’s electrical system by late summer or early fall, in time for the start of school.  The original cable was only expected to last 15-20 years and will be left on the ocean floor as a backup and to allow for periodic testing.  And while the island has a fixed price for hydropower until 2030, they’re already planning ahead for a system that would combine solar energy, battery storage, and diesel backup to provide additional resilience for the island’s electrical supply.

Health

FDA Recalls Common Thyroid Medication

(Undated)  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recalling the commonly prescribed thyroid medication known as levothyroxine sodium tablets.  The tablets are used to treat hypothyroidism and other conditions.  The FDA reports the pills had apparently been functioning as a “subpotent drug”, meaning they had less of an active ingredient, making them less effective.  The recalled drugs were distributed nationwide by Major Pharmaceuticals and Cardinal Health.  Sources say the tricky part for patients will be accessing other name-brand medications, such as Synthroid, which is more expensive and may not be covered by a patient’s insurance.

Human Interest

Tides Institute Gets North Church Doors Installed

(Eastport)  You might call it an open and shut case of historic restoration. The Tides Institute & Museum of Art in Eastport reports the North Church is looking even more authentic these days, after Squire Millworks of Machias finished installing two massive replica, custom-made, 11-foot-high wooden front double doors to the historic 1819 North Church.  They say there was a good deal of back-and-forth adjustment needed in order for the doors to be properly fitted, but that they’ll be in full working order in time for the Parker String Quartet to perform at the church on August 8th.  

Shaw Institute Offers Sustainable Clothing Workshop

(Blue Hill)  The Shaw Institute is world-renowned for its innovative research on reducing plastic pollution and protecting our oceans.  On Sunday, they’ll take sustainability a step further with Stitch and Suds – a Sustainable Clothing Workshop.  If you have preloved clothes sitting in your closet or if you want to swap single-use dryer sheets for something eco-friendly, this workshop is for you.  Interns Katie and Sophia will help you create your own wool dryer ball and learn simple mending techniques for your favorite worn clothes.  The workshop is free, but you must register at shawinstitute.org.  That’s Sunday, August 2nd from 1 to 3 at the Shaw Institute.  No experience necessary.  Ages 10 and up are welcome!

Well-Known Lobster Woman Participates in Music Video

(Jonesport)  If you’re a fisherman in Downeast Maine, or likely even if you’re not, you’re familiar with lobsterwoman Heather Strout Thompson, who looks more like a model than a person who until this summer spent her days hauling traps.  Thompson writes she was recently contacted by a producer/director asking if she would participate in a music video to the song “Suzie Q” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.  The opportunity was part of a series that includes 50 songs from 50 states, entitled “A Postcard from America”.  Thompson plans to hang up her gear this year, so she writes on FB it was the perfect way to sail … or rather, be SUNG… into the sunset.  We’ve shared the video on our social media pages.  

National News 07/28/26

Scientists Warn of Ecological Catastrophe as a Result of Strait Closure

(ABC)  Scientists are warning of a possible ecological catastrophe that could be fueled by ships stalled in the Strait of Hormuz, as conflict continues to block traffic there.  According to ABC News, environmentalists say continued closure could trigger a super-spreader event of invasive species as marine organisms attach to the idle vessels and are then transported to other ecosystems around the world.  The concern was published this week in the journal Biological Invasions.

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