Crime/Public Safety/Drugs

Trespassing Arrest

(Blue Hill)  A Blue Hill man learned a tough lesson about not following the law this week.  The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department reports to Downeast Digest they received a report of a man trespassing on a property in Blue Hill shortly before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.  Officers responded and arrested 46 year old Joseph Howe, who had reportedly been previously served with a “No Trespassing” order.  Howe was arrested and taken to the Hancock County Jail, where he was charged with Criminal Trespass.

Gouldsboro Orders Sign Removals

(Gouldsboro)  The Village Green in West Gouldsboro is apparently a popular place to post signs – political ads, missing pets, items for sale.  But the Town of Gouldsboro says posting signs on the Green, located at the intersection of Route 186 and Clinic Road, has become a safety issue.  So … effective immediately, posting signs there is … well, a sign of the past.  In fact, the town says from now on, such signs will be removed by law enforcement.  Some residents say it’s getting out of hand at the entrances to 186, as well.  But that’s an issue for another day.

Local Politics

Absentee Ballots Available

(Maine)  Planning to vote absentee in the November 3rd, General Election?  You can now request absentee ballots online or by contacting your town or city clerk.  Maine’s no-excuse absentee voting laws allow registered voters to request a ballot three months before Election Day, up to and including October 29th. Ballots will be sent by your municipal clerks beginning 30 days before the election.  Absentee ballots must be received by the voter’s municipality no later than 8 p.m. on November 3rd.

Economy

STR Listening Session

(Ellsworth)  A quick reminder that if you live in Ellsworth and have comments or concerns on the issue of short term rentals, you’ll want to attend a special listening session on the subject.  That’s coming up Monday, August 10th from 5 to 7 at Ellsworth City Hall.  Share your input as the City considers whether an STR registration and safety inspection program should be implemented.

Eastport Pharmacy Shuttered

(Eastport)  Eastport residents will now have to go elsewhere for their pharmaceutical needs.  The Bangor Daily News reports the City’s only pharmacy has lost its license and shuttered operations after state officials concluded its pharmacists had overfilled a controlled substance, failed to maintain accurate records, and neglected to train pharmacy staff.  Eastport Family Pharmacy was opened in 2014 by pharmacist Benjamin Okafor, who also owns Machias Family Pharmacy, whose license remains active.  The BDN says Okafor has a history of being disciplined by the state’s pharmacy board.  The closure leaves the closest place to fill prescriptions in Calais, about 28 miles from downtown Eastport.

Farmers Push for Change at Blue Hill Co-Op

(Blue Hill)  Area farmers are reportedly frustrated and pushing for changes at the Blue Hill Co-op.  According to The Weekly Packet, the frustration stems from the store’s sudden stop in ordering local produce during peak growing season, beginning last April.  Sources say not only did the co-op stop ordering, but emails and phone calls went unanswered; so farmers had to scramble to find other buyers before the food became compost.  The store reportedly has relationships with over 40 farms and producers in the region, many of which have their own unique ordering systems. Blue Hill Co-op General Manager Kevin Gadsby blamed the sudden halt in ordering on staff turnover and disorganization in the nonprofit grocery’s produce department. Long-term, Gadsby says, the Co-op is working to resolve the issue and in the future plans to have annual working meetings with local farmers.  

Bar Harbor Residents Offered Parking Break

(Bar Harbor)  If you live in Bar Harbor, you really should use your parking break.  No, not the one that keeps your car from rolling (although that’s not a bad idea, either), but the break being offered by the Town.  As of this week, residents are eligible to apply for a Residential Parking Coupon, which entitles them to up to two hours of free parking per week.  Applications can be picked up at the Finance Office in the Municipal Building on Cottage Street, along with instructions on how to use the coupon codes at the parking kiosks. We’ve also shared the information on our social media page.

Environment

Ellsworth Tree Inventory Continues

(Ellsworth)  The shady business continues in Ellsworth.  We’re talking trees.  If you have a few hours to volunteer, join other tree stewards Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 in front of City Hall.  Bring your smart phone and a tape measure to help the city gather data that will help in making informed decisions regarding the future of the urban forest in Ellsworth.  Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear comfortable shoes.  An RSVP to treesteward@ellsworthmaine.gov  will be greatly appreciated!

Black Bear Population on MDI to be Studied

(MDI)  Bear sightings on MDI have historically been rare.  But sightings have spiked in recent years, particularly during the summer of 2025, which accounted for roughly 60% of all park sightings recorded over a five year period.  MaineBiz reports researchers at College of the Atlantic have launched the first comprehensive multi-year study to investigate the sharp rise within Acadia National Park and on the island as a whole.  The project seeks to determine whether a permanent resident bear population has established itself on the island or if they’re merely transients swimming over from the mainland.  While residents are cautioned to maintain their distance, you can participate in the study by emailing sightings, along with date, location, and specific behaviors to MDIbearproject@gmail.com.

Record Number of Puffins on Eastern Egg Rock

(EEG)  A wildlife biologist is calling it a “massive Easter egg hunt”.  Alison Ballard is supervising a research crew studying puffins on Eastern Egg Rock, and their findings are proving encouraging.  The Maine Monitor reports scientists spread out among the isle’s boulders to mark burrows where they had seen birds delivering fish to chicks.  As they did so, they also saw puffins disappearing into new crevices.  The team returned to their research cabin where they confirmed a record 200 active burrows. The previous record in 2018 was 188.  Ballard notes that with climate change and other issues, the results are proof of the puffins’ resiliency.

Human Interest

Woodlawn Information Session

(Ellsworth)  Looking for an opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in preserving and promoting the history of Ellsworth?  Join members of Woodlawn in Ellsworth on Tuesday, August 25th, for an informational session on serving on the Woodlawn Board of Trustees.  Bring your questions and meet in The Barn from 5:30 to 7.  Light refreshments will be served.  Whether you have previous board experience or are just interested in learning more, join us!  Questions?  Want to RSVP?  Visit woodlawnellsworth.org.

EPL Mother’s Circle

(Ellsworth)  Becoming a new mom is not for the faint of heart.  Along with the joy a newborn brings, there are often questions, uncertainty, and sometimes feelings of isolation.  August is National Breastfeeding Month … a great opportunity to highlight a great resource provided at the Ellsworth Public Library.  Robin Snyder-Drummond is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant leading the year-round Mother’s Circle the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 9 a.m. in the Riverview Room.  All families are welcome, regardless of how they feed their children.  In addition, upcoming programs at the library include Baby Yoga with Hannah Horecka of Quiet Strength Yoga, and Postpartum Posture with Physical Therapist Cheryl Rioux.  To learn more, visit ellsworthlibrary.net.

Exhibit Honors 12 Maine Women

(Ellsworth)  A public art exhibit honoring twelve influential Maine women in politics opened this week in Ellsworth.  MaineBiz reports “Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change” features Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a Presidential cabinet, historian Heather Cox Richardson, and U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who passed away in 1995 at age 97.  Inspired by Robert Shetterly’s portraits, “Americans Who Tell the Truth”, the exhibit is open at the downtown Heart of Ellsworth Makerspace at 16 State Street through September 25th.  Gallery hours are Wednesdays from 10 to 2, Fridays from 3 to 6, and Saturdays from 10 to 2.

National News 08/06/26

Iran, Oman Work to Open Strait of Hormuz

(AP)  Iran on Wednesday said it is in the final stages of drafting an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, which could lead to its reopening this week.  But the Associated Press reports the agreement is likely contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iran’s ports.  The Trump Administration has previously ruled out any deal that would cement Iran’s control over the strait.  Iran has insisted on some measure of control, saying it will not go back to being an open international waterway as it was before the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28th.

Arson Suspect Arrested in Spokane Area Fires

(AP)  Authorities have arrested a 37 year old man they suspect of starting one of the devastating wildfires that have torn through eastern Washington State and destroyed hundreds of homes in and near Spokane.  At least 67,000 people have been evacuated after the fires jumped roads and rivers, burning more than a dozen square miles by midweek.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Details Military Spouses and Parents

(AP)  An Associated Press investigation reveals the Trump Administration has detained dozens of parents and spouses of active-duty U.S. troops as it rolls back immigration protections for military families, the President’s mass deportation agenda rolling like a German tank across the U.S.  More than 50 military spouses and parents have been detained since Trump took office for a second term.  The investigation found at least six have been deported and at least eight immediate family members of U.S. service members remain in federal immigration custody.

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