Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Trenton VFD Responds to Early Morning RV Fire

(Trenton)  An RV fire on the Bar Harbor Road in Trenton brought a quick response from the Trenton Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday.  The blaze was called in from the Narrows Too Campground shortly before 8 a.m.  Crews arrived to find a working fire at a large recreational vehicle.  All the occupants had safely evacuated, but the size and complexity of the RV resulted in the need for mutual aid from Ellsworth, Hancock and Lamoine.  While the RV sustained significant damage, crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby campsites.  Investigators determined the fire originated from a malfunction in the RV’s refrigeration unit.  

City of Ellsworth Awarded Safety Grant

(Ellsworth)  Ellsworth City employees who work on roadways and other public works projects will soon be a lot more visible … and safer … thanks to a nearly $3K grant from the Maine Municipal Association Workers’ Compensation Fund.  The grant will help provide equipment that improves visibility and safety, helping to reduce the risk of workplace injuries while crews serve our community.  Since 1999, MMA has awarded more than $7.1M through nearly 4,700 safety grants, helping communities create safer workplaces for their employees.

Local Politics

Litigation Continues on Suit Against Monterey Bay Aquarium

(Maine)  Litigation continues in the Maine lobster industry’s defamation lawsuit against Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The aquarium red-listed the fishery back in 2022 as a threat to the endangered right whale, leading some retailers such as Whole Foods to boycott Maine lobster.  The Portland Press Herald reports this week, the suit faced a hefty challenge in federal court, as judges voiced skepticism over the industry’s legal arguments and claims of libel.  On Monday, the judges pushed the industry’s counsel for an example of a defamed individual.  In response, attorneys argued the red-listing drove away clients…  and the industry as a whole suffered a 40% price drop.  MLA also argued the aquarium’s warnings were based on faulty science and a lack of evidence.  The stakes are high for Maine’s economy, with the lobster industry bringing in close to $500M last year.  But the three-judge panel remained wary of the precedent such a lawsuit could set for free speech.

Blue Hill Select Board Considers Filing Suit in Case Against Blaze Restaurant 

(Blue Hill)  As the town continues to cite code violations against Blaze Restaurant in Blue Hill without resolution, the Blue Hill Select Board is considering whether to file a lawsuit in the matter.  According to The Weekly Packet, Blaze was given until July 20th to bring the property into compliance.  When that date came and went, the restaurant owners asked for an extension.  But the Select Board considered invoking Rule 80K, which allows municipalities to seek a court order upholding local ordinances.  That, in turn, could lead to costly legal fees for the town.  Board members ultimately decided to wait until the town attorney had spoken with Blaze’s counsel before holding a vote on whether to pursue such legal action.

Economy

Food Insecurity on the Rise in Maine

(Maine)  About one in seven Mainers is going hungry, with children and older adults at highest risk.  That, reports MaineBiz, is the word according to a new estimate from the national nonprofit Feeding America.  The data reveals a jump in the number of food insecure households in Maine between 2023 and 2024. It also found Maine has the highest child food insecurity rate in New England, with Washington County reporting THE highest rate in New England at 18.8%.  And the system, in a sense, is rigged against those in need.  Nearly half of food-insecure Mainers had incomes above the eligibility threshold for SNAP, leaving many reliant on local food pantries for support.  

An Evening with Noel Paul Stookey to Benefit Loaves and Fishes

(Ellsworth)   … which seems like a great transition to our next story.  Tickets are now on sale for Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry’s major 2026 fundraiser – An Evening with Noel Paul Stookey.  Stookey, who now resides in Blue Hill, has been a well-known activist since the days of the folk-singing trio, Peter, Paul, and Mary.  And at 80-plus, his voice, message, and music still resonate with audiences today.  The show is set for September 24th, with tickets available through The Grand in Ellsworth.   

Hubbard Rake Company Benefit

(Jonesport)  Eighty-four-year-old Ike Hubbard of Jonesport spent the last 40 years designing and producing a blueberry rake that became the industry standard.  On June 29th, a fire destroyed his life’s work.  But the local veteran wasn’t about to let that be the end of his work. He vowed to rebuild.  On August 15th, American Legion Post 9 in Machias is holding a fundraiser and lobster feed to help a determined Ike do just that.  Raffles will be from 3-6, with the meal served at 5, and they’d love for you to RSVP if at all possible by August 10th (which is this coming Monday).  We’ve shared more information and directions on how to do that on our social media pages.  

Hancock County Sheriff’s Charities Carnival ATV Ride

(Ellsworth)  ATV riders, mark your calendars for this one!  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Charities’ Carnival ATV Ride is back.  The September 12th ride starts at the Acadia ATV Club on the Washington Junction Road, with registration beginning at 8 a.m.  Just $20 a ticket – cash, check, or card – and all proceeds go to support the many great causes funded by HCSC.  Five stops with games, cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, hidden trail prizes, food trucks, and more.  Follow them on FB for updated information on this great event.

Next Step Backpacks Available

(Ellsworth)  It’s time to start thinking back to school.  If you or someone you know is being impacted by domestic violence and could use school supplies for their kids, reach out to NextStep Domestic Violence Project’s 24/7 hotline to connect with an advocate.  NextStep tells Downeast Digest that thanks to a generous donation from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, they have many backpacks filled with supplies for the 26/27 school year.  We’ve shared that 800 number on our social media pages and with this story on our website, downeastdigest.news. 

Black Moon to Offer Patio Dining

(Ellsworth)  Longing for outdoor patio dining with that European feel on these nice summer evenings?  Black Moon Public House in Downtown Ellsworth is now serving outdoors on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons and early evenings!  On Thursdays, stay and enjoy the outdoor concert series – this Thursday, River Bottom Funk will take the City Stage, with beverages flowing beginning at 7 p.m.  Patio seating is limited, so get there early!

Young Entrepreneurs Market Returns to Castine

(Castine)  The Young Entrepreneurs Market will return to its roots this Saturday, August 8th.  The market is run by dozens of elementary age business leaders, who offer homemade treats and drinks, handmade jewelry, artwork, plants, painted paperweights – everything you could imagine for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list.  You’ll likely come away with a few things for yourself as well.  Most booths prefer cash only – they’ll be on the Castine Town Commons Saturday from 11 to 1.

Infrastructure

Stonington Releases Downtown Parking and Services Map 

(Stonington)  Visitors and residents alike can now more easily find their way around the state’s number one lobster port.  Island Ad-Vantages reports the Town of Stonington has released a newly-created Parking and Services Map, that will be posted in large format on the town’s public information kiosk at the head of Hogan Dock.  The town has also refreshed and added to its parking signage, identifying different parking zones, public restrooms, and non-profit attractions.  The map was created by Community Geographics, in cooperation with Island Heritage Trust.

Traffic Counting

(Ellsworth)  Motorists driving through Ellsworth may have noticed traffic counting equipment at a few intersections this week.  The city says the temporary equipment is part of a Maine Department of Transportation study supporting planning for the Main Street Bridge project.  The equipment is collecting information on vehicle turning movements, pedestrian and bicycle use, in order to help engineers better understand how people travel through these areas.  And don’t forget that you can review and provide input on that project through August 12th.  Although this is not a City of Ellsworth project, the City has provided information on how to access that review at ellsworthmaine.gov. 

Human Interest

Preserving Ellsworth’s Heritage Includes Preservation Work at Juniper Cemetery

(Ellsworth)  Juniper Cemetery on North Street in Ellsworth holds a significant number of Ellsworth residents, veterans, and historical family plots.  Sadly, several stones dating back to the mid 1800’s have toppled or otherwise fallen into disrepair.  Enter Joe Ferrannini, who traveled from New York to spend this past weekend doing preservation and conservation work at the cemetery.  Ellsworth resident Dottie Vachon tells Downeast Digest Joe is the industry expert, and he’s been coming to Ellsworth for years, leading hands-on instructive workshops for the Maine Old Cemetery Association and working in the Old Burial Ground on State Street and Woodbine cemeteries.  This past weekend Vachon, Scott Archer, and Jesse Alley (who added more than 20 hours of digging!) worked with Ferrannini to repair eight stones at Juniper, representing nine loved ones.  We’ve shared their names and photos of the work on our FB page.  A big shout out to the City of Ellsworth, the Ellsworth City Council, the Cemetery Commission, and all those who continue to preserve Ellsworth’s heritage, history, and honor.

National News 08/05/26

Wildfires Could Worsen with Arrival of El Nino

(AP)  Wildfires are burning across North America and Europe, as deadly heat waves have settled over cities … and the world’s oceans are the hottest ever recorded for this time of year.  And it could get worse with the arrival of a supersized El Nino.  Scientists say so far, this is the earth’s third hottest year, behind 2024 and 2025 – but we’re on track to set another record in 2026, with accelerated human-caused global warming clashing with that climate phenomenon.  Keep the fans handy.  

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